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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap...:^.l Copyright No. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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THE 



CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS 



OF 



Lameness in the Horse 



BY 



W. E. A. WYMAN, V.S., 

Professor of Veterinary Science at Clemson A. and M. 

College, and Veterinarian to South Carolina 

Experiment Station. 




NEW YORK : 

WILLIAM R JENKINS, 

851-853 Sixth Avenue (48tJ St.|^^^^^*«^ 

FEB 12 1898 



9r of Covf 



<t>^^*: 



^.n ro^^f S n^WVED 



2633 



Copyright, 1898, by William R. Jenkins. 







All Rights Reserved. 



printed by the 

Press of William R. Jenkins, 

New York. 



©ebicdteb 



ALMA MATER, 

THE NEW YORK COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS AND 
SCHOOL OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINE, 



BY 



THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



The total absence in the English language of a work on 
the Clinical Diagnosis of Lameness in the Horse, induced 
me to gather material from all obtainable works, American, 
English, and especially German, to supplement my lectures ; 
this little work therefore is primarily a compilation. The 
treatment of this subject is so scattered and not fully dis- 
cussed in any particular work on Surgery, that an expensive 
and voluminous library at once becomes necessary to study 
this important branch of Surgery. The extreme courtesy of 
the eminent surgeon. Professor Doctor H. MoUer, Berlin, 
Germany, has made it possible for me to issue this contribu- 
tion toward Veterinary Surgery, since he most kindly per- 
mitted me to use his various excellent works. This little 
effort is a i^esume, embodying mainly the teachings of 
Professor Doctor Moller, arranged, as I hope, in a practical 
manner. 

To the different chapters, short anatomical sketches and 
drawings, as well as important anatomo-physiological laws, 
have been added. This compendium is chiefly intended for 
the student, to give him a concise treatise on the symptoms 
accompanying the various forms of lameness, the differential 
diagnosis wherever an error is liable to be made, and recog- 
nized practical methods of examination to aid him in the 
detection of the seat of the lameness. The practitioner 
may possibly find some points of interest in this little work 
in his moments of leisure. 



VI PREFACE. 

I take tliis opportunity to thank Professor Doctor H. 
Moller for liis great kindness. 

I am also under obligations to Messrs. Parey, Cox and 
Lupton, for granting me the use of various cuts, some of 
which have been remodeled to more clearly illustrate points 
of interest. 

In conclusion, I wish to express thanks to my publisher, 
William R. Jenkins, for the liberal assistance rendered 
me in every respect. 

W. E. A. WYMAN. 
Clemson College, S. C, 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Detection of the Lame Leg 9 

CHAPTER II. 

Detection of the Seat of Lameness 13 

History 13 

Examination of the Lame Animal 14 

Examination of the Hoof 14 

CHAPTER III. 

Lameness in the Foreleg 25 

Anatomo-Physiological Review 25 

CHAPTER IV. 

Lameness in the Region op the Shoulder > 35 

1. Shoulder Lameness 35 

Diseased Conditions of the Shoulder-Joint and its Neigh- 
borhood 36 

Inflammatory Swellings and New Growths 36 

Thrombosis of the Brachial Artery 36 

Disease of the Muscles of the Shoulder 37 

Contusions and Distortion of the Scapulo-humeral 

Articulation 38 

2. Luxation of the Scapulo-humeral Articulation 39 

3. Inflammation of the Bursa and Tendon of the Postea- 

spinatus Muscle 39 y 

4. Paralysis of the Supi-a-scapular Nerve . . 40 

5. Inflammation of the Bursa of the Flexor Brachii Muscle. . . 40 

6. Paralysis of the Radial Nerve 42 

7. Paralysis of the Brachial Nerve Plexus 44 

8. Fracture of the Scapula 45 

9. Fracture of the Fore-arm 45 

Fracture of the Diaphysis 45 

Fracture of One of the Condyles 46 

vii 



Viii TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

PAGE 

Lameness in the Region of the Elbow and Fore-arm 47 

1. Inflammation of the Elbow-Joint 47 

3. Fracture of the Ulna 47 

3. Fracture of the Radius , 48 

4. Wounds and Bruises of the Fore-arm 48 

CHAPTER VI. 

Lameness in the Region of the Knee 49 

1. Injuries to the Anterior Surface of the Knee 49 

2. Fracture of the Bones of the Knee 49 

3. Chronic Inflammation of the Knee 50 

4. Inflammation of the Carpal Bursa of the Flexor Pedis 

Tendons 50 

5. Distension of Articular and Tendinous Synovial sacs 51 

CHAPTER VII. 

Lameness in the Region of the Metacarpus 56 

1. Rupture of the Flexor Tendons and Sesamoidal Ligaments. 56 

2. Inflammation of the Flexor Tendons 57 

3. Fracture of the Metacarpal Bone 58 

4. Splints 59 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Lameness in the Phalangeal Region 62 

1. Luxation of the Phalanges 64 

2. Distortion of the Phalangeal Articulation 64 

8. Inflammation of the Posterior Ligaments of the Coronet- 
Joint 65 

4. Sesamoid Lameness 66 

5. Fracture of the Sesamoid Bones 68 

6. Fracture of the Os Suff raginis 69 

7. Fracture of the Os Corona 69 

8. Fracture of the Os Pedis 70 

9. Ringbone 70 

10. Fracture of the Navicular Bone 73 

11. Navicular Disease 74 

CHAPTER IX. 

Lameness in the Hind Leg . . . . 78 

Anatomo-Physiological Review 78 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX 
CHAPTER X. 

PAGE 

XiAMENESS IN THE GLUTEAL REGION 87 

1. Hip Lameness 87 

2. Inflammation of the Tendon and Tendon Sheath of the 

Middle Gluteus Muscle 88 

CHAPTER XI. 

Lameness in the ftEOiON op the Hip Joint 91 

1. Luxation of the Femur 91 

(a) Forward Luxation of tlie Femur 91 

(6) Backward Luxation of the Femur 92 

(c) Inward Luxation of the Femur 92 

(d) Outward Luxation of the Femur 92 

2. Inflammation of the Hip Joint 93 

3. Fracture of the Femur 93 

CHAPTER XII. 

Thrombosis of the Posterior Aorta and Its Branches 95 

(a) Femoral Artery 95 

(5) Iliac Artery 95 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Peripheral Nerve Paralysis 96 

1. Tibial Nerve 96 

2. Ischiatic Nerve 96 

3. Crural Nerve 97 

4. Incomplete Paralysis of the Hind Leg 98 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Lameness in the Region of the Femoro-Tibial Articulation . 100 

1. Acute Inflammation of the Stifle Joint 101 

2. Chronic Inflammation of the Stifle Joint 101 

3. Luxation of the Patella 103 

Outward Luxation of the Patella 104 

4. Rupture of the Straight Ligaments of the Patella 105 

5. Fracture of the Patella 105 

CHAPTER XV. 

Lameness in the Region of the Tibia 106 

1. Fracture and Fissure of the Tibia 106 

2. Rupture of the Flexor Metatarsi Muscle 107 

3. Rupture of the Tendo- Achilles 108 



X TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

PAGE, 

Lameness in the Region of the Hock Joint 109 

1. Spavin 109 

2. Acute Inflammation of the Hock Joint 113 

3. Fracture of the Bones of the Hock 113 

Fracture of the Os Calcis 113^ 

Fracture of the Astragulus 114 

Subfacial Cellulitis 114 

Fracture of Other Bones of the Tarsus 114 

4. Curb 115 

5. Luxation of the Flexor Pedis Perforatus Tendon 116. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Lameness in the Region of the Metatarsus IIT 

1. Chronic Thickening of the Sesamoidal Sheath 117 

2. Acute Septic Inflammation of the Flexor Tendon Sheath. . . 117 

3. Stringhalt 118 

4. Lameness Resulting from Interfering and Its Complications 119 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Lameness Following Fracture of the Vertebra 120' 

Fracture of the Body of the Vertebrae 120 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Lameness Resulting from Fracture of the Pelvis 122 

1. Fracture of the External Angle of the Ilium 122 

2. Fracture of the Shaft of the Ilium 122 

3. Fracture Through the Obturator Foramen 123 

4. Fracture of the Os Pubis 124 

5. Fracture in the Cotyloid Cavity 124 

6. Fracture of the Tuberosity of tlie Ischium 124 

7. Fracture of the External Branch of the Ischium 125- 

CHAPTER XX. 

Hoof Lameness 126- 

Anatomo-Physiological Review 126 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Diagnosis of Hoof Lameness 130' 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Lameness Following Acute Superficial and Parenchymatous 

Inflammation of the Podophyllous Membrane 136- 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI 
CHAPTER XXIII. 

PAGE 

Lameness Following Individual Hoof Disease 140 

1. Laminitis 140 

2. Wounds of the Coronet 142 

3. Quittor 143 

4. Punctured Wounds of Sole and Frog 144 

5. Pricking in Shoeing 145 

6. Corns 145 

7. Side-Bones 146 

8. Thrush 147 

9. Sandcracks 148 

10. Loosening of the Sole from the Wall 148 

11. Seedy Toe 149 

12. Contracted Hoof 150 

Contraction in the Region of the Quarters 151 

Contraction of the Sole Only 153 

Contraction in the Coronary Region 153 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Lameness Resulting From Different Causes Not Described 

IN the Foregoing Paragraphs 154 

1. Glanders and Farcy • 154 

2. Influenza 154 

3. Maladie du Coit 154 

4. Purpura Haemorrhagica ,. 155 

5. Inflammatory Conditions of the Skin 155 

6. Shoulder Abscess 155 

7. Inflammatory Changes in the Mammary Glands 155 

8. Inflammation of the Spermatic Cord and Testicles 155 

9. Enlarged Inguinal Glands 156 

10. Fistulous Withers 156 

11. Sternal Fistula 156 

12. Wounds and Inflammatory Conditions of the Skin and 

Underlying Tissues of the Organs of Locomotion 156 

13. Osteoporosis 156 

CHAPTER XXV. 

InSEASE OF THE HEAD OP SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT 157 

Paresis of the Flexor Pedis Perforans 158 



TABLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



FIG. FMlB 

1. Muscles of the foreleg » 28 

2. Rupture of suspensory ligament, flexor perforatus, and flexor 

perf orans 34 

3. Lameness from bursitis inter-tubercularis 41 

4. Complete paralysis of the radial nerve 43 

5. Schema of the more important tendon sheaths and bursae of 

the fore-limb seen from in front and without 52 

6. The same, as seen from the front 52 

7. Rupture of the superior sesamoidal or suspensory ligament. ... 56 

8. Excessive dorsal flexion 57 

9. Location of splints 60 

10. Flexor pedis perforans and perforatus tendon in a case of sesa- 

moidal lameness 67 

11. Articular ringbone 71 

12. Peri-articular ringbone 73 

13. Muscles of the hindleg . 79 

14. Tendon sheaths and bursas of the hind-limb of the horse, seen 

from without 89 

15. Incomplete crural paralysis 97 

16. Left-sided chronic inflammation of the stifle joint ... 102 

17. Bilateral chronic inflammation of the stifle joint 103 

18. Luxation of the patella 104 

19. Rupture of flexor metatarsi muscle 107 

20. Spavined hock 110 

21. Curb 115 

22. Position of the limb in infectious inflammation of the flexor 

pedis perforatus sheath in the fetlock region 118 

23. Schema illustrating fractures of the pelvis in the horse 123 

24. Position of the hoof in disease of the plantar cushion 137 

25. Position of anterior limbs in laminitis 138 

26. Hoof deformed by chronic laminitis 141 

27. Ossification of the lateral cartilages 147 

28. 1, Loose wall ; 2 and 3, hollow wall 149 

29. Complete bilateral contraction 151 

30. Unilateral contraction 1 53 

31. Contracted sole and dislocation of the wall at the toe 153 

32. Coronary contraction 153 

xiii 



SYNOPSIS OF LAMENESS. 



The diagnosis of lameness involves three problems : 

1. Detect! ou of the Laine L-eg'. 

2. Detection of the Seat of Liaineiiess. 

3. Detection of the Causes of Lameness. 

Lameness depends on : 

1. Painful Sensations in the Limb or adjoining' parts. 

2. Paralysis of Nerves or Muscles. 

3. Pathological conditions mechanically interfering 

with locomotion. 

4. A combination of the above. 

Lameness may be : 

1. Severe, the lame leg not supporting any weight. 

2. Moderate, the lame leg supports weight imperfectly. 

3c Slight, the lame leg supports the full weight, but 
the period during which it supports weight is 
shortened. 



CHAPTER I. 



DETECTION OF THE LAME LEG. 



In cases of slight lameness an educated eye and constant 
practice are imperative. Severe lameness is readily recog- 
nized, as even at rest distinct symptoms, such as pointing 
or frequent raising of the suffering limb, are noticeable. 
By pointing is understood the resting of the foot either in 
front, behind, to the outside or inside of an imaginary 
vertical line drawn from the point of the shoulder to the 
ground. The animal's instinct leads him to place his foot 
into a position which relieves pain. Unless lameness is 
severe the animal is either trotted, ridden or driven. If no 
conspicuous irregularity in the gait is present, the ear is of 
value, the louder hoof-beat coming from the sound leg, 
while the lame leg, being put to the ground more lightly, 
produces a weaker sound. 

High-strung animals, when improperly led, as, for 
instance, with too short a halter rope or too slowly, often 
step shorter with one leg than with the other; such animals 
are best ridden or driven. Horses with wide chests and 
hips have normally a rolling, wabbling gait ; horses which 
have done a good deal of hard work, or those which are old, 
lose elasticity of movement ; horses with upright shoulders 
show a quick, short step ; some horses, when going beyond 
a certain speed, hop behind, this hop disappearing when 



10 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

taken out of the harness and trotted with a loose rein. 
Colts occasionally go apparently lame, before they get used 
to the bit ; this bridle lameness disappears when they are 
trotted with a halter and loose rein. If no halter is handy 
this feigned lameness can be easily recognized by watching 
the animal from both sides, as the nodding of the head 
corresponds with the right as well as with the left leg, thus 
excluding lameness. Unless discretion is used in such 
cases as just mentioned, the animal maybe pronounced lame 
while in reality sound. 

In locating the lame leg, trot the horse with a halter on, 
leaving a foot and one half of rope, thus allowing free play 
to all muscles concerned in locomotion, and have him 
trotted slowly toward the observer. If lame in one fore-leg, 
the right one, for instance, his head will nod more or less 
when he steps upon the left fore-leg, while the head jerks 
up at the moment the right leg (the lame one) is placed 
upon the ground. Hence the head of the lame animal 
always nods when the sound leg is planted. 

Should there be lameness in both fore-legs, the action is 
stilty, the naturally elastic stride is wanting, the steps are 
shortened and the feet are kept close to the ground. 
Almost invariably the hind-legs are picked up higher than 
normally, the shoulders appear stiflf and the head is carried 
rather high, while the lumbar region is arched. 

Lameness behind is seen by trotting the horse from the 
observer, the croup being the essential point to be watched, 
since it falls or drops with the sound leg and rises with the 
lame one. 

If lame in both hind-legs, the stride is shortened and 
awkward, the fore-legs are kept back of the vertical line and 
are apt to be raised higher than usual, while the head is 



DETECTION OF THE LAME LEG. 11 

lowered. Backing is difficult, and it is almost impossible to 
keep the animal at a trot when there is lameness in more 
than one leg at a time. 

Horses lame in both fore or hind legs, show a wabbling 
gait behind, often mistaken for lameness originating in the 
lumbar region ; this peculiar motion is simply due to the 
fact that the hind legs are unduly advanced under the body 
for their own relief or that of the fore-legs. 

Lameness in two legs of the same side causes a see- 
sawing of the head and haunch, due to the jerking up of the 
head, as the lame fore-leg comes down, and dropping of the 
haunch as the sound hind-leg touches the ground. Pacers, 
of course, form an exception to this rule. If lame in two 
legs of the same side, the body drops when the sound legs 
are planted and rises when the lame legs come to the 
ground. 

Animals lame diagonally, for instance, in the right fore- 
leg and left hind-leg, show a rising of the body as the lame 
legs are put to the ground, whereas the head and haunch 
drop as the left fore and right hind leg (the sound ones) 
touch the ground. 

Close attention is to be paid to the animal's action as he 
turns while being trotted to and from the observer, as at 
this moment, — that is, while he turns, — any hitch becomes 
visible, as, for instance, in spavin or stringhalt lameness. 

Sometimes lameness is so slight, and that only for a 
little while after leaving the stable, that the detection of the 
lame Jeg is quite impossible. Under these circumstances it 
is advisable to drive the animal briskly three or four miles, 
rest him one half hour, and then proceed with the 
examination. This treatment often materially increases 
lameness and the lame leg becomes more apparent. 



12 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Exceedingly difficult to diagnose are complicated cases, 
that is, those where more than one leg is lame at the same 
time, calling for constant practice and keen observation. If 
there is any doubt as to the permanency of the lameness, — 
it may be temporary from interfering, picking up stones, 
etc., — examine the animal again in a day or two. 

Lameness resulting from chronic disease of a joint, 
especially the hock joint, becomes more pronounced by 
passively flexing the joint supposed to be diseased for one 
or two minutes, trotting the animal immediately on releasing 
the leg. This method of examination, applied mostly to 
confirm the diagnosis " spavin," is known as the spavin test. 
Sometimes it is necessary to trot the horse in a circle, 
particularly if trotting him in a straight line gives negative 
results ; but the circle must not be too small, as this 
produces irregular action of the legs. The horse is trotted 
to the right and to the left of the circle, as one direction is 
apt to bring out the lameness better than the other. For 
instance, if jogging him to the left causes or increases 
lameness, the trouble is somewhere in the near leg. 



CHAPTER II. 



DETECTION OF THE SEAT OF LAMENESS. 



Slight lameness requires a tliorongh knowledge of the 
anatomo-pliysiological laws, with careful application of the 
same. Of great value is the history of the case, and 
absolutely necessary the local examination by inspection 
and palpation. 

History. 

In learning the history of a case ambiguous questions 
are to be avoided. The most important questions are : 

1. How long is the animal lame ? 

2. Under what conditions did he go lame ? 

3. Was the lameness first seen while at work, or did it 
appear on rest? 

4. Has the horse been shod recently ? 

5. Did it fall or sustain external violence ? 

6. Did the lame leg ever show any swelling ? 

7. Has the lameness increased or decreased since it first 
occurred ? 

8. Does lameness increase while working, or is it more 
pronounced after a rest ? 

9. Has the animal ever been treated, what part of the 
leg, and what was the treatment ? 



14 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Examination of the Lame Animal. 

1. Observe the liorse while at rest, see if the feet support 
the same amount of weight, or if the animal points; whether 
one fetlock is more upright than the other and whether he 
frequently shifts the weight from one leg to the other. 

Some nervous horses, or those previously treated with 
blisters, setons, firing iron, etc., become restless at once on 
approach of a person ; such animals therefore must be 
examined with great care. 

2. Make the animal step from one side to the other, 
bestowing particular attention upon the action of the 
hind-legs. The spasmodic motion peculiar to spavin or 
stringhalt is often brought out in this manner. 

3. The animal is now walked, trotted, ridden or driven, 
according to the degree of lameness. While moving the 
horse the nature of the faulty action must be studied. The 
important point lies in finding out whether the faulty action 
is more visible while the leg is supporting weight or when 
it is swinging ; whether it is abducted or adducted, the toe 
pointing in or outward. In all doubtful cases the liorse 
must be tried on soft and on hard ground. 

4. If possible, place the animal's legs into a normal 
position, and inspect the various parts of the lame leg, 
always comparing them with the same parts of the sound 
leg, to find anatomical changes. Examine the hoof first, 
unless the seat of the lameness is sufficiently conspicuous to 
allow the omission of the examination. 

Examination of the Hoof. 

A thorough knowledge of the principles of shoeing, of 
the anatomy and diseases of the hoof, are essential to arrive 
at a correct diagnosis. The size and shape of the hoof is to 



DETECTION OF THE SEAT OF LAMENESS. 15 

he inspected. It is well to remember that the left hoof is 
frequently normally smaller than the right one ; yet the 
writer has seen horses with the right hoof smaller than the 
left one, although they had never been lame. Compare 
the size, slope, depth and breadth of the heels of the two 
feet. 

In cases of hoof lameness of long standing, the lame foot 
is usually smaller and narrower than the sound one. If 
inspection leaves any doubts, the eye may be greatly 
assisted by measuring the various parts with a compass. 

Inspect the coronary region, the horny wall and the 
shoe. The latter immediately becomes of great importance 
if lameness follows recent shoeing ; in such cases the fit of 
the shoe, its length and shape, as well as the seat of the 
nails, are to be closely examined. 

One also tests the pulsation of the arteries on the 
fetlock, an increased throbbing invariably pointing to an 
acute inflammation of the podophyllous membrane. This 
latter symptom can also be produced to some extent by any 
pressure upon the blood vessels of that region, as, for 
instance, swellings of the skin or subcutis about the coronet 
or fetlock ; but the pulsation thus brought on is never as 
intense as the one following an acute inflammation, and 
really is more a fulness of those vessels. 

A positive diagnosis of an acute inflammatory process 
within the horny box can be made if there is an absence of 
swelling along the phalanges and presence of increased 
throbbing in the arteries along the fetlock. Even then the 
pulsation in the arteries of the lame foot is to be compared 
with that of the sound one. Of course the increased 
pulsation following exercise is not to be mistaken as an 
indication of disease. 



16 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Oil the whole it is well to examine an animal for 
lameness after it has rested some time, while again a great 
many horses can be examined to advantage immediately on 
being presented for examination. 

The temperature of the hoof is also of interest, remem- 
bering the fact that the posterior part of the hoof is 
naturally warmer than the balance of it, as that region is 
more richly supplied with blood and the horn is thinner. 
For this reason it is best to individually examine the various 
regions of the hoof, using the same part of the hand for 
each one. For instance, the one hand is allowed to rest 
upon the toe of the lame foot while the other hand rests on 
the same part of the sound foot, comparing the impression 
made upon both hands. In a similar manner all parts are 
gone over. 

Palpation is also of value to detect pain. The instru- 
ments employed are a light hammer and hoof testers. 

In order to avoid errors, that is, to interpret the obtained 
results correctly, quite some practice and judgment are 
required, as too strong a pressure may produce pain even 
in a sound hoof, while too light a pressure in a diseased 
hoof gives negative results. Generally speaking, the proper 
amount of pressure is then applied, when the horn yields 
just a little ; if thii=i is not productive of pain, evinced by the 
attempts of the animal to withdraw the foot, one may be 
reasonably sure that the spot borne upon is not the seat of 
pain. 

As a rule, it is safest to begin testing the hoof where no 
disease is supposed to exist, thus to find out the degree of 
elasticity and sensibility of the region about to be examined. 
To complete the test, the various parts pinched by the hoof 
tester are lightly tapped with the hammer, in order to 



DETECTION OV THE SEAT OF LAMENESS. 17 

coniSrm the diagnosis made by the hoof tester ; and under 
certain conditions a diagnosis can only be arrived at by the 
percussion sound of the hammer. 

If the examination reveals disease, the shoe must be 
removed. If necessary, the sole should be pared, the 
condition of the white line being of particular interest, and 
all loose shreds of the frog are to be cut off. Foreign 
bodies are usually found when the sole is cut out. 

If any portion of the sole indicates by its color or its 
friable consistency a diseased state, or if the painful spot 
pressed upon by the hcof pincer shows a nail-hole, further 
examination with the searching knife is imperative, and in 
the latter case the nail-hole is to be traced until either an 
abscess is found or that part of the white line where the 
nail entered the horny wall. 

In all cases of hoof lameness the pulsation of the artery 
along the shin bone, or those along the fetlock, must be 
taken into consideration, and undue throbbing or fullness 
of these vessels must be followed by a careful, systematic 
examination of the hoof. 

Finall}', it is well to remember that the swelling of the 
subcutis along the flexor tendons — the result of inflammation 
of the podophyllous membrane — being oedematous and 
painless, should exclude an error as to the diagnosis of 
inflammation of the flexor tendons. 

Completion of the examination of the hoof is followed 
by inspection and palpation of the phalangeal articulations, 
bestowing special care upon the joints below the knee 
or hock, observing them from various points of view, 
always comparing them with the corresponding part of the 
sound leg. 

Knee, fore-arm and shoulder receive similar attention. 



18 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

In the latter one looks for muscular atrophy, but this 
symptom must not be credited immediately as the seat of 
lameness, since in all chronic or severe forms of lameness 
atrophied muscles may be expected ; but atrophy of certain 
groups of muscles, especially the antea and postea spinatus, 
or the olecranian muscles, justly hints at the seat of 
lameness. 

The examination of the hind-leg does not differ mate- 
rially from that of the fore-leg. The inner surface of the 
hock requires close attention, a thorough knowledge of the 
anatomy of that region, a good deal of practice and 
discretion whenever an attempt is made to locate a spavin, 
and it is essential that the observer takes the same position 
in viewing and comparing the contour of both hocks. 

First, the anterior part of the inner surface of the tarsus 
is viewed by standing a little to one side of the fore-leg ; 
then, by sighting the hock from between both fore-legs, the 
middle of the internal hock surface can be criticised, the 
posterior portion of the internal face of the hock being 
looked at from behind. 

Sometimes the length or roughness of the hair interferes 
with the recognition of the contour of the joiut ; then the 
hair should be moistened to make it lie close to the skin. 
Horses with sickle-shaped hocks may mislead the observer, 
ns the bones at the inner and posterior part of the hock are 
naturally enlarged ; at the same time, in some horses one 
particular bone may be enlarged, and if the same bone 
is equally large in the other hock, spavin cannot be 
pronounced. 

The middle and lower layer of hock bones are sometimes 
divided by distinct grooves, which give rise to ridges, and 
the greater development of the inner metacarpal bone must 



DETECTION OF THE SEAT OF LAMENESS. 19 

not be mistaken for a spavin. In these cases the ridges are 
found on both hocks, and as they are situated along the 
center of the bone and not its edge, this, together with the 
fact that other bones of the bony frame are naturally 
enlarged, — for instance, the knee bones, easily detected by 
inspection and palpation, — helps to avoid errors. 

The gluteal region is inspected for muscular atrophy, 
changes in the shape of the external angle of the ilium and 
the postero-external angle of the ischium. 

Whenever the animal is subjected to such a methodical 
examiuation, one rarely fails to find some pathological 
condition, as swelling, heat, pain, etc., subsequently to be 
examined by palpation. 

In palpating, the situation, consistency, form and extent 
of the lesion require the attention of the one conducting the 
examination. To interpret pain, the possible result of 
palpation, demands great care, especially when palpating the 
flexor tendons of the phalanges, as even moderate pressure 
upon them causes some patients to flinch. By gliding the 
thumb and index finger over the flexor pedis perforans and 
perforatus from above to below, with the leg resting on the 
ground, enlargements, ruptures, etc., can be detected, but 
pain in these structures must not be considered a symptom 
of disease unless palpation is conducted with the foot raised 
from the ground. 

In palpating the metacarpal bones, the thumb rests 
against the region of the external face of the bone, while the 
balance of the fingers touch the internal face ; in this 
manner the pain of periostitis or exostoses, — that is, 
splints, — can be nicely felt, and mostly in the groove formed 
by the small and large metacarpal bones. 

Certain precautions are necessary in palpating the region 



20 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

of the shoulder, as even moderate pressure with the hand 
against single muscles or groups of them produces flinching 
in animals perfectly sound ; therefore, in the detection of 
pain by palpation, it is well to test the sensibility not only 
of the supposed seat of the lameness, but also the corre- 
sponding part on the sound leg. 

Increase of temperature of any part is perceived by the 
palm, or, better yet, the dorsal portion of the hand. Of 
course the greater the inflamed area the easier the detection 
of it. A good deal depends on the condition of the 
examining hand, a cold hand being least adapted to 
appreciate differences of temperature. At the same time 
the hand must be rested gently upon the parts to be tested, 
keeping it there for a few seconds, remembering that any 
firm pressure decreases the chances to notice slight changes 
in temperature. The test is usually executed by resting 
both hands (equally warm), one on the diseased area and 
the other upon the corresj^onding one of the sound limb. 
Acute inflammatory processes of the skin or parts below it 
are recognized by an increase of temperature ; increased 
heat of a part may be due to prolonged resting of the hand 
upon the place to be tested. 

Palpation is further of value to detect crepitation, as in 
fractures or inflammation of tendons and their sheaths. To 
examine for fracture, the parts just above the supposed 
broken bone are fixed, and the parts below the injury are 
abducted, adducted and rotated to bring out abnormal 
mobility and crepitation. In fractures of the pelvis one 
hand is placed upon the external angle of the ilium, the 
other one upon the postero-external angle of the ischium, 
then pushing toward the opposite side ; or the animal is 
walked with the hands resting ujDon the above-named 



DETECTION OF THE SEAT OF LAMENESS. 21 

regions. Either method may bring out crepitation and 
occasionally mobility. Examination per rectum also is of 
great value in these fractures. 

In disease of the tendon of the gluteus medius muscle or 
postea spinatus tendon, the crepitation peculiar to this 
trouble is differentiated from that of a fracture by its softer 
character. It is felt by placing the hand upon the tendon 
of the muscle while walking the animal. Pain on rotation 
of a joint indicates articular trouble, especially of the 
phalangeal articulations. In such a case the leg is picked 
up as in shoeing, one hand fixing it above the articulation 
to be examined and the other hand practicing a strong and 
steady rotation. If the pain in the joint or its ligaments is 
slight, passive rotation may give negative results ; therefore 
the absence of pain on rotating a joint does not invariably 
exclude its being diseased. 

Artificial movement of the upper joints, — that is, those 
above the knee or hock, — with a view to locate abnormal 
couditions, is of but little value, unless it be to test for 
limited mobility. 

In examining the carpus for stiffuess, it is imperative to 
have the angle of the elbow and shoulder joint in both legs 
exactly alike, since a difference in their respective positions 
might lead to errors, as both knees must be tested and the 
results compared. 

Pain in the region of the shoulder occasionally is dis- 
cernible by artificially extending the arm forward and 
backward, abducting and adducting it ; but the impatient 
motions of a nervous animal must not be confounded with 
pain the result of that test. 

Examination of the pelvic cavity per rectum may become 
necessary to diagnose fractures of the pelvic bones or 



22 LAMENESS IN THE HOKSE. 

thrombosis of the posterior aorta aud its branches. For 
this purpose the fingers of the hand are shaped like a cone, 
hand and arm moistened. The other hand pushes the tail 
to one side, and with a rotatory movement the moistened 
hand is introduced into the rectum ; fseces are removed by 
the hand. To feel for thrombosis of the posterior aorta, 
iliac and femoral artery, search first for the posterior aorta, 
the pulsations of which can be distinctly felt ; now proceed 
along the course of the vessel on one side and then on the 
other. In cases of thrombosis pulsations are either absent 
or a slight trickling feeling is imparted to the finger, the 
obstructed vessel being abnormally hard. Here as else- 
where the vessel on the opposite side must also be examined 
and the results compared, to avoid errors. 

To locate fracture of the pelvic bones the hand and 
fingers palpate the floor and sides of the pelvis ; if no fissure 
can be found by simple palpation, it is well to let somebody 
push one hindquarter toward the other one, which may 
cause a displacement of the fractured parts, easily detected 
by the examining hand. In this manner crepitation may 
also be brought out. In luxation of the head of the femur 
into the foramen ovale its head can be felt, especially when 
the afi'ected leg is moved. 

An important question often arises while examining an 
animal for lameness, viz.: Is the abnormality found the 
cause of the present lameness ? In answer to that question, 
the following points are to be considered : 

1. Compare the degree of lameness with the pain 
resulting from palpation of the diseased part. If the 
lameness is out of proportion to the pain produced by the 
local examination, care is necessary to avoid mistakes. In 
such cases the examination is to be continued until another 



DETECTION OF THE SEAT OF LAMENESS. 23 

cause is found to explain the lameness, or the absence of 
such a cause is established beyond a doubt. 

2. The duration of the lameness and the nature of any- 
anatomical change are to be compared. If the lameness is of 
recent origin and the pathological condition an old one, or 
when the lameness is of long standing and the pathological 
condition of recent date, it is clear that one cannot be 
directly connected with the other. 

3. Compare the influence which the present abnormality 
has upon the physiological functions of the limb with the 
nature of the existing functional disturbance. 

Splints and thrush are frequently looked upon as causes 
of lameness, but an exostosis only causes lameness when 
periostitis is present, recognized by palpation, or when such 
an exostosis mechanically obstructs the movement of a 
joint. Thrush rarely causes lameness, excepting in 
contracted feet, — the latter, in my mind, being the main 
cause of lameness; but thrush itself will cause lameness 
whenever the horny frog is destroyed to such an extent that 
it no longer protects the sensitive frog from undue pressure. 
Generally lameness is accompanied by distinct anatomical 
changes, and the seat of it can thus be located ; but 
lameness depending on paralysis does not show any 
anatomical changes at first; the diagnosis therefore is based 
upon the functional disturbance and the absence of pain. 

For a number of years hypodermic injections of 
cocaine over the plantar nerves at the fetlock have been 
resorted to, to help locating the seat of the lameness, 
especially in cases of mixed lameness, where doubt prevailed 
as to whether the pathological conditions above or below 
the fetlock caused the lameness. As a rule, 5 to 10 drops of 
a 10 per cent, solution of cocaine were injected on either side 



24 ■ LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

of the fetlock, the animal left to itself eight to ten minutes, 
and then trotted. If the lameness disappeared after such an 
injection, the seat of the trouble was necessarily below the 
point of injection. The writer has abandoned this practice, 
because the lame animal frequently becomes greatly excited, 
even when less cocaine is introduced, and in his opinion the 
results of the injection, which ought to be made aseptically 
to avoid complications, are not sufficiently satisfactory to 
warrant its use as a diagnostic agent in such cases. 



CHAPTER III. 



LAMENESS IN THE FORE-LEG. 



Anatomo-Physiological Review. 

The fore-leg supports the body wliile at rest, hanging 
from the body and swinging forward during movement. 
In the former position it is known as the supporting leg, in 
the latter as the swinging leg. Aponeuroses and muscles 
interwoven with fibrous tissue,-and of these the serratus 
magnus is the most important one,— firmly unite the scapula 
and humerus to the body. A solid connection between the 
limb and body, entirely independent of purely muscular 
elements, exists. This fibrous union diminishes concussion, 
helps carry the weight of the body, and finally holds the limb 
in place. Some muscles of that region are traversed by a 
strong fibrous cord, especially the flexor brachii, and nearly 
all the muscles below the elbow show fibrous intersections 
from their origin to their movable insertion. In this manner 
union and harmonious working of the articulations is 

established. 

Flexion of the shoulder joint is limited by the flexor 
brachii, it acting as a check to the joint in the supporting leg. 
The phalanges, so to speak, rest upon the flexor tendons, as 
they are firmly united to them at the lower part of the leg. 
Consequently tightening of the flexors immobilizes all 
joints below the elbow joint, without expenditure of muscular 



26 



26 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

energy. The elbow joint is made immovable by the flexor 
muscles and their aponeuroses. Lateral motion of all joints 
below the elbow joint is inhibited by the shape of the 
articular surfaces and the ligaments ; only the shoulder 
joint forms an exception, as ligaments are here replaced by 
the postea-spinatus muscle, flexor brachii, the large extensor 
of the fore-arm, teres minor, the short abductor of the arm, 
and, on the internal face, the wide and strong tendon of the 
subscapularis muscle and teres major. The elasticity of 
these muscles and their aponeuroses fix the shoulder joint 
sufficiently to prevent undue lateral motion. 

The horse, as is well known, can stand up for days 
without getting tired, since all the joints of the supporting 
leg can be fixed without the aid of muscular elements. 
During movement this mechanism, fixing all joints while at 
rest, has another important duty to perform, it receiving the 
shock coming from the weight of the body, which the elastic 
muscular elements could never stand. This inelastic 
check-apparatus therefore prevents collapse of the whole 
limb whenever weight is thrown upon it, and consequently 
the fibrous parts of the flexors, but never their muscular 
portion, sustain injury from concussion. The forward 
stride, — that is, the action of the swinging leg, — is partly 
due to the weight of the foot, but mainly depends upon the 
mastoido-humeralis, antea-spinatus, biceps brachii, and 
coraco-humeralis muscles. While these muscles advance 
and extend the shoulder joint the elbow joint is flexed, this 
greatly facilitating the forward motion of the leg. The 
olecranian muscles extend the elbow joint ; at the same 
time they extend all joints below it, as the extensor muscles, 
like the flexors, have fibrous cords running through them, 
being also covered with aponeuroses. Whenever the elbow 



LAMENESS IN THE FORE-LEG. 27 

joint is flexed, the flexor muscles are tigliteued ; extension 
of that joint is followed by tightening of the extensor 
muscles of the foot, and consequently extension of the 
phalangeal articulations. The action of the swinging leg 
takes place as follows : at the moment the supporting leg 
has finished its work it points obliquely downward and 
backward ; now the weight borne by the one supporting leg is 
transferred to the other one, the strained tendons and 
aponeuroses of the first leg are relieved, the flexors and 
their check ligament become slackened, and the phalanges 
advance ; this is j^artly brought about by the action of the 
flexors, greatly assisted by the elasticity of the fasciae of 
the fore-arm ; now the mastoido-humeralis and some of the 
pectoral muscles also act, the extensors of the shoulder joint 
and flexors of the elbow joint, principally the biceps brachii, 
coraco-humeralis, antea-spinatus muscles, and the leg swings 
forward. Thus the first half of the pendulum-like motion 
of the swinging leg is made. While the muscles moving the 
scapula and those extending the shoulder joint continue to 
act, the other joints are extended. A gradually increasing 
flexion of all joints from the elbow joint downward 
accompanies the first half of the swinging leg. The second 
half of the forward stride shows extension of all joints of the 
leg. The above indicates that the function of the swinging 
leg depends chiefly on the action of the muscles, the first 
part of the forward stride on the muscles of the shoulder, 
mastoido-humeralis, biceps brachii, coraco-humeralis and 
antea-spinatus ; in the second half, the olecranian muscles 
and extensors of the fore-arm assist the advancement of the 
leg by extending all joints, and gradually change the swinging 
leg into the supporting leg. In the supporting leg the 
muscular elements are more or less at rest, being 



28 



LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



replaced by the tendons, suspensory ligaments, aponeuroses 
and fibrous intersections of their muscles, which unite the 




Fig. t. 
1, Upper Insertion of the Flexor Brachii ; 2, Lower insertion of the 
Flexor Brachii ; 3, Axis of the Elbow Joint; 4, Lower Insertion of 
the Flexor Pedis Perforans: 5, Check Ligaments; 6, Flexor Pedis 
Perforatus and Perforans at the Sesamoid Bones; 7, Upper Inser- 
tion of the Extensor Muscles; 8, Lower Insertion of the Extensor 
Pedis; 9, Upper Insertion of the Flexor Muscles. 

articulations so firmly that the entire leg becomes a solid 
column able to sustain the weight of the body without the 
aid of muscles. 

Taking the above into consideration, it is clear that 
lameness must be divided into that of the sivinging leg and 



LAMENESS IN THE FOKE LEG. 29 

that of the supporting leg. The former alludes to diseased 
conditions of muscles mainly, the latter of bones, tendons, 
ligaments and the hoof. Diseases of joints, tendon sheaths 
and periosteum cause a mixed lameness, that is a 
combination of the above. Swinging-leg lameness refers to 
those lamenesses characterized by an imperfect forward 
stride, whereas supporting-leg lameness shows itself when 
the leg supports the weight of the body. 

In quadrvipeds one step consists of the distance between 
the foot-prints made by one and the same leg. The step of 
the horse, therefore, may be divided into two halves. The 
first half is in back of, or posterior to ; the second half in 
front of, or anterior to, the foot-print of the opposite leg. 
Thus the normal step may be said to show two equal halves, 
as the distance of the foot-prints of one leg is equally 
divided by the other, the opposite leg. 

Lameness does not alter the length of the stride, since 
the lame leg has to cover the same distance as the sound 
one ; hence it must take an equally long step. But lameness 
causes a shortening of either the posterior or anterior half 
of the step. In swinging-leg lameness the lame limb does 
not advance in the regular manner, and does not step the 
the full distance beyond the foot-print of the sound leg. 
For this reason the second or anterior half of the step taken 
by the lame leg appears shortened. The reverse is true of 
supporting-leg lameness. Here the lame leg is advanced 
properly, but putting weight upon the lame leg is painful, 
induciug the animal not only to step shorter with the sound 
leg, but also to place it quicker to the ground. As a 
consequence, the posterior half of the lame leg's step is 
necessarily shortened. In order to see this, the lame animal 
is led by the observer at a distance of three or four yards, 



30 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

he closely watching the distance between both feet as they 
are placed before each other upon the ground. 

Swinging-leg lameness can be divided into two main 
groups. 

Swinging-leg lameness, with a retarded and apparently 
shortened stride, is present in : 

1. Diseased states, usually of an inflammatory nature, of 
muscles, tendons or their sheaths, as of the mastoido- 
humeralis, coraco-humeralis and antea-spinatus. 

2. Inflammatory processes of the shoulder and elbow 
joint. 

3. Painful conditions in the region of the shoulder joint, 
as swelling of the prescapular and axillary glands. 

4. Paralysis of the axillary nerve plexus. 

5. Periostitis. 

6. Inflammatory conditions of the skin of the phalangeal 
region, lameness disappearing after a few steps have been 
taken. 

Swinging-leg lameness, with irregular movement of the 
limb, as incomplete extension, is present in : 

1. Paralysis of the olecranian muscles. 

2. Extensive lacerations of the olecranian muscles. 

3. Transverse fracture of the ulna. 

4. Kupture of the extensors of the metacarpus and foot. 
Sapporting-leg lameness is much more frequent than 

swinging-leg lameness, because all diseases of the hoof give 
rise to it. It can be divided "into three main groups : 

Supporting-leg lameness, with shortening of the period 
of weight-bearing and posterior half of the step, is present in : 

1. Diseases of the bones, as fractures, fissures and 
periostitis, especially of the phalanges ; less so of other 
bones. 



LAMENESS IN THE FORE-LEG. 31 

2. Peri-artliritis, mainly of the phalangeal articulations ; 
lameness is intensified by turning the animal quickly on the 
diseased leg or exercising it in a small circle. When at rest 
the horse puts the foot down cautiously, and it is gradually 
weighted. 

3. Diseases of the ligaments, tendons and tendon sheaths 
of the inhibitory apparatus, especially the inferior and 
superior sesamoidal ligaments, the flexor pedis perforans 
and perforatus, and posterior ligaments of the coronet joint ; 
also in navicular disease. In severe pain the fetlock 
becomes upright; this position is always seen when the 
tendons are shortened. 

4. Hoof diseases. 

Lamenesses of this group are characterized by an 
omission or shortening of the period of weight-bearing. 
When at rest the animal is apt to point, and, should both 
feet be affected, the weight is frequently shifted from one 
leg to the other one. The sound leg is brought forwai?d 
quicker than normally, as the lame leg experiences pain in 
sustaining weight. Although the lame leg is advanced at 
regular intervals, it is carried abnormally beyond the foot- 
prints of the sound leg, the posterior half of the step being 
shortened. This causes an apparently retarded action 
of the lame leg, which may lead to errors, mistaking 
supporting-leg lameness for swinging-leg lameness. In 
cases of doubt, the animal is moved in a circle, the lame leg 
being on the inner side of the circle ; the weight is thus 
increased on the lame leg, and supporting-leg lameness 
becomes more pronounced ; for this reason going down hill 
increases lameness. 

Supporting-leg lameness, with abnormal position of the 
entire limb, as abduction, is present in : 



32 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

1. Painful affections about tlie breast, as in disease of 
tlie superficial pectoral muscle, sternal fistula. 

2. Formation of splints, between tlie inner small and 
large metacarpal bones, exostoses and periostitis close to 
the cai-pal articulation. 

3. Disease of the external lateral ligaments of joints, as 
in distortion of tlie coronet joint, ringbone, particularly 
when the outer wall of the hoof is longer than the inner one. 

4. Painful conditions of the muscular or tendinous portion 
of the deltoid or postea-spinatus muscles, and paralysis of 
the same. 

5. Diseases of the outer half of the hoof, such as corns,, 
quarter crack, nail-prick, etc. 

Supporting-leg lameness, with abnormal position of the 
entire limb, as adduction, is present in : 

1. Disease of the shoulder joint ; this often causes the 
tendon of the postea-spinatus to become quite prominent. 

2. Diseased condition of the subscapularis and teres 
major muscles, which is often overlooked on account of the 
hidden position of these muscles. 

3. Hoof diseases. 

Supporting-leg lameness, with abnormal position of the 
entire limb, as pointing backwards, is j^resent in : 

1. luflammation of the flexor brachii and its bursa. 

2. Diseased conditions of the posterior section of the 
hoof, as corns, contracted heels, disease of the plantar 
cushion. 

Supporting-leg lameness, with abnormal position of the 
entire limb, as pointing forward, is present in : 

1. Hoof diseases, as founder and navicular disease. 

2. Diseases of tendons and their sheaths. 



LAMENESS IN THE FORE-LEG. 33 

Supporting-leg lameness, with abnormal position and 
movement of individual parts of the leg : 

1. Abduction of the shoulder at the moment the sup- 
porting leg is in a perpendicular position, as in paralysis of 
the teres minor, postea-spinatus and deltoid muscles. If the 
suprascapular nerve is paralyzed the animal cannot step 
sideways. 

2. Abnormal flexion of the shoulder joint, as in rupture 
of the flexor brachii. 

3. Abnormal flexion of the elbow joint, as in rupture of 
the flexors of the metacarpus and in fractures, causing a 
loosening of their insertion. 

4. Abnormal extension of the elbow joint, as in contrac- 
tions of the olecranian muscles. 

5. Abduction of the leg from the elbow downwards, as in 
rupture of the external ligament of the elbow joint. 

6. Volar flexion of the carpus, as in corns, contracted 
heels. In these cases the horse usually points backward 
and the fetlock is upright. 

7. Dorsal flexion of the carpus, as in rupture of the 
flexors of the metacarpus, fracture of the pisiform bone and 
imperfectly healed fracture of one of the condyles of the 
humerus. It is usually seen at the moment the function of 
the supporting leg begins, or, more rarely, while the animal 
is standing quietly. 

8. Dorsal flexion of the phalanges, especially the fetlock 
joint, as in rupture of the flexor tendons. If all tear at 
-once, the fetlock may descend to the ground ; if the suspen- 
sory ligament only ruptures, the fetlock goes down some- 
what ; if the perforatus, the toe is turned up a little ; while 
rupture of the perforans causes the fetlock to descend 
materially, and the toe of the hoof is turned up decidedly, 



34: LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

the lioof resting on the heel only. Horizontal fracture of 
the sesamoid bones, rupture of the inferior sesamoidal 
ligament. 

/ ^ 3 




Fig. 3. 

Rupture of : 

1, Suspensory Ligament ; 2, Flexor Perforatus; 3, Flexor Perforans. 

9. Yolar flexion of the phalanges, as in shortening, and 
inflammation of the tendons flexing the phalanges ; if pain 
and inflammation are not severe, volar flexion of the fetlock 
joint disappears on cessation of the inflammatory process, 
but if it persists a long time, volar flexion of the fetlock and 
carpus are permanent. Acute inflammatory processes in 
the sheaths of the flexors, especially the flexor pedis per- 
forans ; sesamoidal and navicular sheaths, inflammatory 
conditions of the phalangeal articulations, as synovitis, peri- 
arthritis, mainly about the coronet and pedal articulation ; 
painful conditions in the posterior region of the hoof, as 
corns and similar affections; disease of these parts, often 
followed by oedematous swellings of the subcutis near the 
flexor tendons, may be mistaken for disease of the flexor 
tendons. Yolar flexion of the phalanges may or may not be 
accompanied by lameness. If it depends on chronic changes 
of the flexors, both legs are usually deformed, and a short 
and stumbling gait results. 



CHAPTEK IV. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE 
SHOULDER. 



1. — Shoulder Lameness. 

This ambiguous term is applied to all those diseasea 
conditions of the region of the shoulder which cannot be 
clearly recognized clinically. Since the shoulder is covered 
by the main organs of locomotion, it is natural that there is 
more or less similarity in the symptoms shown. 

Lameness is indicated, as a rule, by a limited motion 
when the leg is carried forward, the foot is advanced slowly 
and imperfectly, often describing an outward circle during 
the forward stride ; when standing still, the leg may or may 
not be flexed, resting on the toe. Moving on uneven ground, 
the toe is liable to trip ; going up hill or trotting in a circle, 
with the lame leg on the outside of the circle, increases 
lameness. While trotting, the animal frequently nods 
decidedly with the head, " going lame with its ears," as the 
Frenchman says. Backing is difficult, and the leg is usually 
dragged along the ground. Lameness on hard or soft ground 
is about the same, the animal possibly going a little lamer 
on soft than on hard ground. In disease of the levators of 
the fore-arm, passive movements in a forward, backward and 
inward direction, produce pain. Atrophy of muscles in 
chronic lameness is not to be relied upon too much, for it 
does not always indicate the seat of the disease. From a 



36 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

clinical standpoint, it is well to classify this lameness 
according to its approximate seat, extent and nature. 

DISEASED CONDITIONS OF THE SHOULDER JOINT 
AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg lameness or mixed lameness. 
Turning tlie animal suddenly upon tlie lame leg may increase 
lameness. In cases of long standing, atrophy of the shoulder 
muscles is noticed. 

Palpation. — Pori-articular exostoses may be felt about the 
scapulo-humeral articulation. Raising and lowering the 
foot may cause pain or show limited motion. 

INFLAMMATORY SWELLINGS AND NEW GROWTHS. 

Anatomy : Glands. — The prescapular glands form a kind 
of chain along the ascending branch of the inferior cervical 
artery, beneath the mastoido-humeralis muscle, descending 
close to the attachment of the sterno-maxillaris muscle. The 
brachial glands ci'c situated inside the arm, one group near 
the ulnar articulation, the other near the insertion of the 
teres major and latissimus dorsi muscle. (Chauveau.) 

Inspection. — Lameness is most noticeable during the 
forward stride, the leg being abducted even when at rest. 
Acute or chronic swelling of the axillary and prescapular 
glands and local infectious diseases can cause lameness. 

Palpation. — Tumefaction of the axillary and prescapular 
glands may be felt, as in glanders, strangles and local 
infection. 

THROMBOSIS OF THE BRACHIAL ARTERY. 

History. — Lameness appears regularly as soon as the 
animal is sharply worked for ten or fifteen minutes, the 
horse sometimes being in danger of falling; after resting 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE SHOULDER. 37 

about half au liour the lameness disappears, to return when 
again exposed to active work. 

Lisjjedion. — The animal is apparently all right when 
standing still or walking, but becomes very lame if trotted 
briskly for ten or fifteen minutes ; the lame leg begins to 
tremble and can no longer support the weight of the body; 
the animal stumbles and may fall. The horse may perspire 
freely, yet the affected leg remains dry. When rested these 
symptoms disappear, to reappear on active work. 

PaljMtion. — The lame leg, as a rule, is colder to the touch 
than the sound one. 

DISEASE OF THE MUSCLES OF THE SHOULDER. 

History. — Lameness following falls, blows, stopping of the 
horse suddenly while going at a fast gait, etc. 

Inspection. — True swinging-leg lameness, no pain being 
evinced while the leg supports weight. More or less swelling 
may be detected in one or the other muscle. 

Palpation. — Almost invariably swelling and heat can be 
felt upon careful examination. One should bear in mind 
that even animals not lame almost always flinch when strong 
pressure is exerted on the shoulder, whereas in painful 
lameness sensation on pressure is not always expressed in a 
like manner, as handling, liniments, blisters, etc., on the 
actual or supposed seat of the lameness increase 
sensitiveness. In recent cases pain is caused by pressing 
upon or passively extending the affected muscles. Single 
muscles, as the mastoido-humeralis, or whole groups, as the 
pectoral muscles, when involved require careful palpation. 
Drawing the leg backward is frequently painful. Atrophy 
of the muscles of the shoulder occurs in cases of long 
standing, being particular!}'' marked in the diseased muscles. 



38 LAMENESS IN THE HOBSE. 

Hheumatic lameness, as mostly found in the mastoido- 
humeralis, is eitlier remittent or intermittent. In tliis 
trouble, firm, steady pressure does not seem productive of 
much pain, while slight and sudden touches, as tapping the 
muscle with the finger, produces severe pain and even violent 
contractions of it ; lameness often disappears on active 
sweating exercise, to return with more or less intensity after 
resting. 

The writer has seen a case of rheumatism of the mastoido- 
humeralis which caused permanent lameness by involving 
later on the flexors of the phalanges, especially the flexor 
pedis perforans. At first the neck of the animal was bent 
downward and to one side, after some time this was relieved, 
but the flexors of the phalanges became diseased, until now 
the phalanges show excessive volar flexion, the toe barely 
touching the ground. 

CONTUSIONS AND DISTORTION OF THE SCAPULO-HUMERAL 
ARTICULATION. 

History. — Lameness following falls, slips, and struggling 
with one or both feet entangled, — in fact, anything causing 
excessive movement of the joint. 

Inspection. — When standing still, the leg is usually 
abducted and rests upon the toe. There is swinging-leg 
lameness, the stride is shortened, the leg is moved carefully 
and slowly, being abducted at the same time. Backing is 
connected with difficulty, the foot being dragged over the 
grovind. There may be swelling about the articulation. 

Pdljxition. — Heat, pain and swelling may be present 
together or separately. The exact location of this trouble is 
often hard to find, and the ambiguous diagnosis of "shoulder 
lameness " is made. 



LAMENESS IN THE EEGION OF THE SHOULDEK. 39 

2. — Luxation of the Scapulo-humeral Articulation. 

History. — Sudden severe lameness following falls, slips 
and jumping. 

Inspection. — Severe swinging-leg lameness, shortening of 
the leg, with more or less swelling about the articulation. 

Palpation. — Passive movements of the articulation, as 
flexion and extension, are almost impossible ; adduction and 
abduction are exceedingly free. Above and in front of the 
glenoid cavity of the scapula the head of the humerus can 
be felt, provided inflammatory swelling does not interfere 
with j)alpation. Pressure upon this region is painful. This 
condition is often complicated with fracture of the scapula 
and humerus. 

3. — Inflammation of the Bursa and Tendon of the 
Postea-spinatus Muscle. 

Anatomy. — A wide and flattened muscle, having its fixed 
insertion in the postea spinatus fossa, scapular spine and 
tuberosity, cartilage of prolongation and internal face of the 
scapular aponeurosis. It terminates inferiorly by two 
branches ; the external one, the strongest, is inserted in the 
crest of the external tuberosity of the humerus, first gliding 
over a synovial bursa situated above its point of insertion. 
This muscle is an outward rotator and abductor of the 
humerus. (Chauveau.) 

History. — Lameness following kicks, falls, collisions and 
sudden turning while speeding. 

Inspection. — Abduction of the entire leg with supporting- 
leg lameness. The animal still supports the weight of the 
body, but while doing so abducts the leg as much as possible. 

Palpation. — Usually increased heat and swelling can be 
felt over the external trochanter of the humerus. Pressure 



40 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

upon that part is productive of pain. At times crepitation 
can be found by walking tlie animal and resting the hand 
upon the> course of the tendon and its insertion. 

4. — Paralysis of the Supra-scapular Nerve. 

Anatomy. — Formed by the sixth and seventh cervical 
pairs, this short and thick nerve runs backward between 
the levator anguli scapulae on the one side, and the anterior 
deep pectoral, prescapularis and antea spinatus muscles 
on the other, gaining the space between the antea spinatus 
and subscapularis, entering it. Now it bends around the 
anterior border of the scapula, runs across the acromion 
spine, ascending to the postea spinatus fossa. It supplies 
the antea spinatus, postea spinatus and teres muscle. 
(Chauveau.) 

History. — Lameness following runaways, colliding with 
trees, posts, etc. 

Inspection. — Supporting - leg lameness, with sudden 
abduction of the shoulder. By walking the animal toward 
the observer it will be seen that the scapula, at the moment 
the leg supports weight and is perpendicularly under the 
body, suddenly is jerked away from the thorax. In disease 
of some standing the scapular spine becomes prominent, 
due to the atrophy of the paralyzed muscles, especially the 
antea spinatus and the two abductors, the postea spinatus 
muscle showing nothing abnormal. 

5. — Inflammation of the Bursa of the Flexor 
Brachii Muscle. 

Anatomy. — A long cylindrical muscle divided by many 
strong fibrous intersections, the middle one of which is of a 
tendinous nature, being continuous with the tendon of the 
muscle at the extremities. It originates at the base of the 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE SHOULDER. 



41 



coracoid process of the scapula, to run obliquely downward 
aud backward through the bicipital groove of the humerus, 
where it becomes fibro-cartilagluous, gliding over an exten- 
sive synovial sac, known as the bursa inter-tubercularis ; the 








Fig. 3. 
Lameness from Bursitis Inter-tubercularis. 



inferior tendon of the flexor brachii terminates on the bicipital 
tuberosity of the radius. This muscle flexes the fore-arm, 
renders tense the antibrachial aponeurosis, and mechanically 
opposes the flexion of the scapulo-humeral angle while the 
animal is at rest. (Chauveau.) 



42 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

History. — Lameness following collisions, blows and 
runaways. 

Inspection. — Severe swinging-leg lameness. When trying 
to walk it seems as though the foot could not be raised 
from the ground. On forced movement no weight is put 
upon the lame leg. Backing is done fairly well, the animal 
even picking up the foot. When at rest the lame leg is 
carried further back under the belly than the sound one, 
and often supports its share of the weight of the body in 
this position. 

Palpation. — Entirely out of proportion to the intense 
lameness is the small amount of j)ain and swelling about 
that muscle ; it is absent in chronic bursitis, where lameness 
is most marked when the leg is carried forward. In these 
cases wasting away and contraction of the muscle is occa- 
sionally noticed. Bilateral bursitis causes a groggy, stifi 
gait ; the shoulders are apparently immovable. 

6. — Paralysis of the Radial Nerve. 

Anatomy. — This, the largest nerve furnished by the 
brachial plexus, runs downward and backward, crossing the 
inner face of the subscapularis and teres major muscles. 
Arriving at the deep humeral artery, it passes behind the 
humerus, entering between the large extensor of the fore-arm 
and the short flexor of the fore-arm; it runs along the 
posterior border of this muscle, gains the anterior face of the 
radio -ulnar articulation, runs on down to the oblique 
extensor of the metacarpus, terminating here by two 
branches. This nerve stimulates all the extensors of the 
fore-arm and foot and the external flexor of the metacarpus, 
endowing with sensibility the skin of the outer and anterior 
surface of the fore-arm,. (Chauveau.) 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE SHOULDER. 



43 



History. — Sudden lameness following slipping and 
pulling heavy loads. 

Iiisjxction (complete paralysis). — Supporting- leg lameness. 
The animal is unable to put any weight upon the leg, the 
whole leg collapsing in the attempt. After passive exten- 
sion the leg can support weight. From the elbow down, 




Fig. 4. 

Complete Paralysis of the Radial Nerve. 

(Elbow ought to be further down.) 

all joints are flexed to such an extent that the wall of the 

hoof almost touches the ground ; the leg thus appears too 

long. Shoulder and elbow joints are extended. The 

olecranian muscles are relaxed, and atrophied in cases 

of some standing. 

Inspection {{yicomplete parahjsis). — If there is still sufficient 

muscular power left to extend the leg, the horse can support 



44 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

weight upon it. Therefore, when walking slowly on smooth, 
ground nothing unusual can be noticed, but should the 
animal strike its toe against anything, stumbling is 
frequent, all joints from the elbow down are flexed and there 
is danger of falling. Sometimes lameness is only seen after 
exercising on heavy ground. Animals which have been 
lame and have improved acquire a peculiar gait, together 
with active contraction of the muscles of the shoulder, the 
leg is slung forward, the olecranian muscles being unable to 
exert the function fully. 

Inspection {partial imralysis). — At the moment the lame 
supporting leg is perpendicularly under the chest, there 
is a sudden forward jerk of the scapula and humerus. 
This involuntary movement is clearly seen as the horse 
walks slowly past the observer. 

Differential Diagnosis. — This lameness is liable to be 
mistaken for supra-scapular nerve paralysis, but is 
distinguished from it by the fact that in the latter the 
shoulder is abducted, whereas in partial paralysis of the 
radial nerve the shoulder and humerus are jerked in a 
forward direction. Transverse fracture of the ulna and 
rupture of the extensors of the phalanges show similar 
symptoms, yet palpation will settle the question. 

7. — Paralysis of the Brachial Nerve Plexus. 

History. — Sudden lameness following a severe fall, etc. 

Inspection. — In complete paralysis movement is impos- 
sible, but when the leg is passively extended and brought 
into a normal position it is able to support the weight of 
the body, especially when the radial nerve is not paralyzed ; 
while even then there is necessarily more or less difficulty 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE SHOULDER. 45 

in advancing the leg ; whenever the olecranian muscles 
contract, all the joints, from the elbow down, become 
extended, to remain so during motion. 

8. — Fracture of the Scapula. 

History. — Sudden lameness following collisions, falls and 
kicks, etc. 

Inspection. — Usually a mixed lameness. Any sudden 
severe lameness showing itself not only when the leg 
supports weight, but also when it is carried forward (mixed 
lameness), with an above history, creates suspicion of a 
fractured scapula, unless there is some other positive reason 
for the sudden lameness. The lame leg may be shortened, 
the animal thus walking on three legs ; but in simple fracture 
of the scapular spine the leg often supports weight, there 
being a distinct swinging-leg lameness in this case. I 

PaljKition. — Crepitation may or may not be felt by resting- 
the hand upon the external scapular muscles. When there 
is much swelling the diagnosis of a fracture becomes very 
difficult. In fracture of the scapular spine, dorsal and 
cervical angles, the broken fragments can generally be felt. 
Excessive adduction and abduction is noticeable in fracture 
of the neck of the scapula. Very difficult of diagnosis are 
fractures of the body of the bone ; but if the humerus is 
intact and crepitation with the above mentioned symptoms 
present, the fracture of some part of the body of the scapula 
can be surmised. 

9. — Fracture of the Fore-arm. 

History. — Lameness following kicks, falls, collisions, etc. 

FRACTURE OF THE DIAPHYSIS. 

Inspection. — Swinging and supporting leg lameness, with 
abnormal mobility in the region of the arm. 



46 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Palpation. — Abnormal mobility aud crepitation of these 
parts, with severe pain and perhaps swelling. This 
abnormal mobility is best detected by fixing the scapula 
and moving the bones below the humerus ; it, together with 
crepitation, leaves no doubt as to the nature of the trouble. 

FRACTURE OF ONE OF THE CONDYLES, 

The foot is unable to support weight. There is severe 
swinging-leg lameness, and the leg from the elbow down is 
either adducted or abducted, the former in fracture of the 
external condyle, the latter in fracture of the internal condyle. 
When the external condyle is fractured, there is also 
excessive volar flexion of the phalanges, often to such an 
extent that the outer wall of the hoof touches the ground. 



CHAPTEE V. 



LAMENESSES IN THE REGION OF THE 
ELBOW AND FORE- ARM. 



1. — Inflammation of the Elbow Joint. 

History. — Lamenesses following wounds penetrating the 
joint, kicks, etc. 

Inspection. — Supporting and swinging leg lameness. 
Lameness may be so intense that the animal will only walk 
on three legs, and studiously avoids any movement of the 
elbow joint. In the acute stage particularly, the elbow joint 
is extended, while the phalangeal articulations are in 
excessive volar flexion. 

Palpation. — Usually there is severe pain and swelling 
about the articulation, with increased temperature. 

2. — Fracture of the Ulna. 

History. — Lameness following kicks and falls, etc. 

Inspection. — Supporting and swinging leg lameness. If 
the olecranon is broken off entirely from the radius, 
symptoms of radial paralysis are apparent (see page 42); 
but as a rule the fracture takes place further down, going 
through the elbow joint, causing more of a supporting-leg 
lameness. 

Palpation. — Crepitation may be detected. Abnormal 
mobility of the fractured parts is always present, usually 
accompanied by pain and more or less swelling. 



48 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

3. — Fracture of the Radius. 

History. — Lameness following kicks, falls, slips and 
external violence, etc. 

Inspection. — Inability to use tlie leg ; possibly deformity. 

Palpation. — Abnormal mobility of the parts, crepitation, 
pain and swelling. The ends of the fractured bone may 
stick through the skin, 

4. — "Wounds and Bruises of the Forearm. 

History. — Lameness following kicks, blows from the 
wagon pole and falls, etc. 

Inspection. — Generally the lameness is most marked on 
carrying the leg forward ; there is swinging-leg lameness ; 
the visible lesions, such as swelling, wounds, etc., with pain 
and increased heat, detected on palpation of those parts,, 
will hardly permit of a mistake. 



CHAPTEE VI. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE KNEE. 



1.— Injuries to the Anterior Surface of the Knee. 

History. — Lameueas following falls and kicks, etc. 

Inspection. — More or less swelling about tlie knee, 
excoriation of tlie skin, or even deeper wounds. Swelling is 
particularly severe when the sheaths of the extensor tendons 
are opened. The knee is held as stiffly as possible during 
motion. Weight may or may not be borne by the lame leg. 

Palpation. — If the sheaths of the tendons are opened, 
synovia flows from the wound, often looking like jelly ; in 
these cases severe pain and swelling are detected on 
palpation. Passive flexion produces intense pain. In cajses 
where the articulation is opened, the finger or the probe can 
be introduced into the joint (under proper aseptic pre- 
cautions). Articular surfaces, denuded of their cartilage, 
are rough to the touch. 

2. — Fracture of the Bones of the Knee. 

History. — Lameness following falls, external violence, etc. 

Inspection. — The leg, as in radial paralysis, is kept flexed 
and is unable to support weight. Since this fracture is, as 
a rule, the consequence of a fall, there may be excoriations 
or wounds about the knee. 

Palpation. — If the pisiform bone is fractured, as is usually 
the case, abnormal mobility and crepitation of that bone are 
present. 



50 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

3. — Chronic Inflammation of the Knee. 

History. — Lameness following interfering, as in trotting 
horses, and excessive work in immature lymphatic animals. 

Inspection. — Swelling about the knee, deforming the joint 
more or less. "When at rest the knee is kept flexed ; in 
walking there is often inability to flex the knee properly ; 
the lame leg is brought forward slower than the sound one, 
the leg being abducted while supporting the weight of the 
body. In bringing the foot down the heels are apt to strike 
the ground first ; frequently the anterior half of the step is 
shortened. Lameness may be wanting, if both legs are 
diseased, or the carpo-metacarpal articulation only. 

Palpation. — The swelling may be of bony hardness or soft 
and fluctuating ; the latter is true in disease of the tendon 
sheaths. Passive flexion of the knee joint either produces 
pain, or demonstrates limited movement as compared with 
the other knee joint. (In makiug this comparative test the 
elbow joints must have the same position in both legs.) 

Differential Diagnosis. — Since there is some similarity 
in this form of lameness and shoulder lameness, the 
following points are of importance in differentiating one 
from the other. In shoulder lameness the animal does not 
touch the ground with the heels first, as it often does in 
chronic inflammation of the knee joint; here also the leg is 
more frequently advanced with an outward swinging motion 
than in shoulder lameness. In chronic inflammation of the 
knee, passive flexion of the knee either causes pain or proves 
a limited movement of the knee joint, which in shoulder 
lameness is not the case. 

4. — Inflammation of the Carpal Bursa of the 
Flexor Pedis Tendons. 

History. — Lameness following, in the acute form, the 
introduction of some septic material, as in punctures with 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE KNEE. 51 

the dung fork, and external violence ; in the chronic type, 
generally overwork. 

Inspection : Acute Form. — Swelling around the entire joint. 
A wound may be seen and flowing from it synovia, alone, or 
mixed with pus, the discharge then having a straw-colored 
appearance. There is excessive lameness, the leg is carried 
forward stiflOly and slowly. 

Palpation. — The swelling is very painful, hot and more or 
less firm, with a tendency to spread. In septic inflammations, 
constitutional disturbances, as high fever, etc., are frequent. 

Chronic Form. — Is not accompanied by lameness, unless 
movement is mechanically interfered with by the distended 
tendon sheath, extending as much as six to eight inches 
above and below the joint. As a rule this swelling is seen 
on the outside of the leg, but at times also on the inside. 
The superior swelling may attain the size of a cocoa-nut, 
whereas that on the metacarpus is mostly smaller. 

5. — Distension of Articular and Tendinous 
Synovial Sacs. 

Acute inflammation of the synovial sacs of joints or 
synovial sheaths of tendons brings on lameness. When 
chronically inflamed, they sometimes produce limited motion 
by mechanically interfering with the working of a joint 
or tendon, and thus cause lameness. Usually bursal 
enlargements disappear when the leg is flexed, or when no 
weight is put upon it, while enlarged tendon sheaths, under 
those circumstances, become more distinct. Horizontal 
swellings suggest distended articular sacs ; vertical or oblique 
swellings indicate distension of the synovial sheath, in which 
the tendon lies. 



52 



LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 






Fig. 6. 
The same, as seen from the front. 



Fig. 5. 

Schema of the more important tendon sheaths and bursae of the fore-limb 
seen from in front and without, a, bursa intertubercularis ; b, bursa 
olecrani ; c, upper ; d, lower tendon sheaths of the flexor pedis ; e, 
Bheath of the flexor metacarpi ; /, upper sheath of extensor pedis ; 
g, sheath of extensor metacarpi magnus ; h, sheath of extensor 
metacarpi obliquus ; i, bursa mucosa of extensor pedis. 



LAMENESS IN THE KEGION OF THE KNEE. 53 

History. — Lameness following, in the acute form, dis- 
tortions, contusions ; fast and hard work in the chronic 
form. 

Inspection: Acute Form. — Swelling (see further on), 
supporting-leg lameness, and sometimes mixed lameness. 

Palpation. — Pain, increased heat, swelling, which fluctu- 
ates and corresponds to the shape of the affected joint or 
tendon sheath ; occasionally the neighboring parts also 
swell to a doughy consistency. 

Chronic Form. — Lameness is generally absent, especially 
when the swelling is soft, fluctuating and corresponding to 
the shape of the joint. Should the swelling be diffused, 
spindle shaped, tough or hard on palpation, without increased 
heat or pain of the parts, excessive work frequently results 
in lameness. In chronic inflammation of the flexor tendon 
sheaths, especially where the swelling is of an unyielding 
nature, lameness is permanent. 

The following are the most commonly distended articular 
sacs and tendon sheaths : 

1. Knee-gall. — The capsular ligament is situated between 
the lower extremity of the radius and upper row of carpal 
bones. When distended, it appears as a roundish swelling, 
subdivided by the extensor tendons of the anterior surface 
of the carpus, or on the outside, just over the pisiform bone 
and behind the radius ; it rarely exceeds the size of a hen's 
egg. 

2. Fetlock-gall. — This gall appears as a roundish swelling, 
seldom more than duck's egg size, between the suspensory 
ligament and metacarpus, on either side of the extensor pedis 
tendon, extending toward the anterior part of the fetlock. 

3. Distension of the Carpal Sheath. — The synovial sheath 
on the posterior part of the carpus, in which the perforans 



54 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

and perforatus glide, extends about four inches above the 
joint, and runs down to the upper third of the metacarpal 
bone ; when distended, a longish swelling above and below 
the carpus on the outside or inside is seen. 

4. Wind-galls. — The metacarpal phalangeal sheath for 
the gliding of the perforans and perforatus tendons begins 
in the lower third of the metacarpus, extending down to the 
plantar cushion. Below the fetlock this sheath is surrounded 
by a strong, unyielding fibrous band ; when distended, which 
is rare, a flat swelling is noticed. Distension of that part of 
the sheath above the fetlock is characterized by two longish 
swellings, one on either side of the perforans tendon, 
extending up to the lower third of the metacarpal bone. In 
the hind-leg this gall quite often becomes hard, the result 
of chronic changes in the tendon and its sheath. 

5. Distension of the Sheath of the Extensor Suffraginis. — This 
swelling appears three to four inches above the knee on the 
outside of the fore-arm, running downwards, at times 
involving the anterior face of the carpus. 

6. Distension of the Sheath of the Extensor Pedis. — This is 
rare. The sheath begins six inches above the knee ; it runs 
in the outer groove on the inferior extremity of the radius 
over the knee joint to the upper part of the metacarpus. 

7. Distension of the Sheath of the Extensor 31etacarpi Magnus. 
— This sheath runs parallel with the one of the extensor 
pedis, but does not reach quite as far above the knee, runs 
through the middle groove on the inferior extremity of the 
radius, ending at the lower row of carpal bones. 

8. Distension of the Sheath of the Extensor Metacarpi 
Ohliquus. — This sheath begins on the outside, and three 
inches above the knee, runs obliquely downward and inward 
over the anterior face of the carpus, ending at the head of 



LAMENESS IN THE EEGION OP THE KNEE. 55 

the inner small metacarpal bone. When distended, it forms 
a round, oblique swelling, running as described, being 
subdivided by the extensor tendons. 

9. Above the fetlock, on the anterior face of the metacarpal 
bone, is a mucous bursa for the extensor pedis tendon, its 
upper wall resting against that tendon. When distended, it 
may become as large and even larger than a goose's egg. 



CHAPTEK VII. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE 
METACARPUS. 



1, — Rupture of the Flexor Tendons and 
Sesamoidal Ligaments. 

History. — Lameness following sudden external violence 
and over-extension, as in galloping, jumping, etc. 




Fig. 7. 

Rupture of the superior sesamoidal or suspensory ligament. 

(From a photograph.) 

Inspection. — In rupture of the perforatus tendon there is 
supporting-leg lameness, with some dorsal flexion of the 
phalanges, in consequence of which the toe is turned up a 
little, and the weight is mainly sustained by the heels. 
When the perforans is ruptured all three phalangeal joints 
show decided dorsal flexion, causing the hoofs to rest upon 
the heels entirely, with the toes elevated from the ground. 
Rupture of the superior and inferior sesamoidal ligaments 

56 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE METACARPUS. 



57 



means abnormal dorsal flexion of the fetlock only, the 
position of the hoof being normal (see fig. 7). 




Fig. 8. 
Excessive dorsal flexion after section of the perforans and perforatus 
tendons ; the knuckling over at the fetlock is due to contraction of 
the suspensory ligament. (From a photograph.) 

Palpation. — In recent cases the point of division of 
the tendon or ligament can usually be felt, while later 
inflammatory swelling prevents it. There is always more or 
less severe pain. 

2. — Inflammation of the Flexor Tendons. 

History. — Lameness following bruises, from kicks, pro- 
longed hard work, jumping and galloping, etc. 

Inspection. — Supporting-leg lameness, with shortening of 



68 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

the period of weight-bearing, particularly as the lame leg is 
perpendicularly under the body. While at rest the 
phalanges are kept in volar flexion. At times the animal 
attempts to support weight with the lame leg by putting the 
heel upon some elevation, but carefully avoids sustaining 
weight with the whole bearing surface of the hoof. 
Permanent volar flexion of all the phalangeal articulations 
indicates contraction of the perforans ; but contraction of 
the suspensory ligament and of the perforatus only affects 
the position of the fetlock. 

Pcdpation. — When the perforans is involved, the pain and 
lameness are severe, while inflammation of the perforatus 
and suspensory ligament either causes moderate or no 
lameness at all. Passive rotation of the various joints does 
not give any pain. Heat, pain and swelling, in the first 
stages, are present in varying degrees ; but being often 
indistinct, great care is necessary in differentiating pain from 
mere nervousness. Pain and swelling are best detected by 
raising the lame leg and flexing it, this being the only way, 
as already stated, to examine each structure separately. 
Of course, in clean legs, swelling can frequently be seen 
from a distance, otherwise most careful palpation is required 
to detect it. In cases of some standing there is often 
permanent volar flexion of the phalanges ; this permanent 
volar flexion can be recognized as such by raising the sound 
leg, and thus the lame leg must support the whole weight 
at that moment. When volar flexion of the phalanges is due 
to chronic changes in the tendons — that is, contraction of the 
tendons — the upright position will persist under that test. 
3.— Fracture of the Metacarpal Bone. 

History. — Lameness suddenly following kicks, falls and 
external violence. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OP THE METACARPUS. 59 

Inspection. — Usually all three metacarpal bones are 
broken, there is inability to support the weight of the body, 
and generally, deformity with abnormal mobility of the 
fractured parts. 

Palpation. — Crepitation, abnormal mobility, pain, and 
after some time hot and painful swelling about the broken 
parts. Fissures are difficult of diagnosis, and may be 
surmised when a tract of increased sensibility can be 
detected by careful palpation. The sound leg must also be 
examined in exactly the same way as the lame one, in order 
to compare results obtained. Fracture of one of the small 
metacarpal bones usually is difficult to recognize, especially 
when swelling has set in; but careful palpation occasionally 
reveals crepitation. 

4. — Splints. 

History. — Lameness following fast or continuous work 
on hard ground, interfering ; lameness is more marked on 
hard than on soft ground. 

Inspection. — At rest, the lame leg is abducted, especially 
when the splint is near the carpal articulation. Swinging-leg 
lameness is more pronounced on hard than on soft ground. 
The hoof is put down in the usual manner, the knee may be 
held stiffly, while the leg is advanced. There is generally a 
greatly increased amount of lameness on changing the 
horse from a walk to a trot. 

Palpation. — In the earlier stages, heat, pain and swelling 
are detected. Splints are chiefly on the inside of the 
metacarpal bone, especially in the groove formed by the 
small and large metacarpal bones; but in pigeon-toed 
horses they are mostly seen on the outside of the shin 
bone. The favorite location seems to be a little above the 



60 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

middle, between fetlock and knee. Splints interfering with 
the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons, do cause 
permanent lameness, as the writer repeatedly convinced 
himself. In those cases, the splint is situated about the 
middle of the posterior face of the large metacarpal bone, 




- carpus 



splint 
splint 

metacarpal bone 



Fig. 9. 
Location of Splints. 

■where it can be found by raising the leg and flexing it ; this 
causes a relaxation of the flexor tendons, which are pushed 
to one side, thus the posterior face of the large metacarpal 
bone can be palpated and enlargements felt. The swelling, 
which at first is slight, becomes somewhat soft on account 
of the oedema of the overlying skin, but later on it hardens. 



LAMENESS IN THE KEGION OF THE METACARPUS. 61 

To examine the leg for splints, it must be picked up and 
the points of the fingers allowed to glide with gentle 
pressure over the metacarpal bone, to detect any pain or 
enlargements ; care must be taken not to mistake the 
natural knob-like formation on the lower end of the small 
metacarpal bones for a pathological condition. In order to 
avoid errors it is wise to test the sound leg in the same way 
and to compare the sensitiveness of the periosteum in both 
legs. Swelling of the skin in the metacarpal region may 
confuse, but the lameness is never so marked in this 
condition as it is in splints. One or two year old racers 
get, what is commonly termed, " sore shins." This 
periostitis is characterized by sudden lameness after hard 
and fast work. The lame leg is favored as much as possible ; 
should the other one be diseased at the same time the 
animal shifts the weight from one leg to the other. 
There is decided swinging-leg lameness, the leg is raised 
slowly and imperfectly when moving. Soon a hot, painful 
swelling appears on the anterior face of the metacarpus of 
one or both legs. 



CHArTER VIII. 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 



Anatomy. — The bones of the phalangeal region are : 

1. Os suffraginis, also called first or metacarpal phalanx 
and large pastern bone, with the two sesamoid bones. 

2. Os coi'onae, also known as second phalanx or small 
pastern bone. 

3. Os pedis, also called third phalanx, pedal or coffin 
bone, with the navicular bone. 

These bones form three joints : 

1. Fetlock joint : This is a perfect hinge joint. Its 
capsular ligament is reinforced by fibrous bands laterally. 
It also has two lateral sesamoidal ligaments, which, 
strengthened by the crossed ligaments, unite the sesamoids 
with the cannon bone and first phalanx. Between the 
sesamoid bones is the intersesamoidal ligament, which is of 
a fibro-cartilaginous nature. This ligament, together with 
the posterior face of the sesamoid bones, forms the groove 
for the flexor tendons to glide in. The superior and inferior 
sesamoidal ligaments inhibit excessive dorsal flexion of the 
fetlock-joint. The inferior sesamoidal ligament, situated at 
the posterior face of the os sufi^raginis, is divided into three 
separate branches : (a) The superior arises from the middle 
of the fibro-cartilaginous mass behind the superior articular 
surface of the os coronae, runs up behind the first phalanx 
and is inserted into the base of the sesamoids, being 

62 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 63 

confounded with the intersesamoidal ligaments, (h) The 
fasciculi of the middle ligament are j&xed on the posterior 
imprints on the os suffraginis, and ascend to the base of 
the sesamoids, where they end. (c) The bands of the deep 
ligament are fixed to the base of the sesamoids and superior 
extremity of the os suffraginis. The superior sesamoidal 
ligament, also called the suspensory ligament of the 
fetlock, a powerful brace, is lodged behind the large 
metacarpal bone. It is inserted superiorly to the lower row 
of carpal bones and posterior face of the large metacarpal 
bone. Its inferior extremity is bifid, the branches being 
attached to the summits of the sesamoid bones. 

2. Pastern joint : This is an imperfect hinge joint. The 
superior surface of the os coronae shows behind a glenoidal 
fibro cartilage, also two strong lateral ligaments passing 
downward and backward, which are inserted into the 
tubercles on the inferior extremity of the os suffraginis 
superiorly, while they are attached to the sides of the os 
coronae inferiorly. Their most inferior fibres reach the os 
naviculare and constitute the posterior lateral ligaments of 
the pedal articulation. This joint has a capsular ligament, 
related anteriorly to the extensor pedis, laterally to the 
ligaments ; posteriorly, it touches the suspensory ligament. 

3. Pedal joint : Is an imperfect hinge joint. There is 
one interosseous ligament which fastens the navicular bone 
to the OS pedis. The anterior lateral ligaments are attached 
superiorly to the lateral imprints on the os coronae, and 
inferiorly into the cavities at the base of the pyramidal 
eminence of the pedal bone. The posterior ligaments are 
the continuation of the lateral ligaments of the pastern 
joint. The capsular ligament extends from the inferior 
extremity of the os coronae to the os pedis and navicular 



64 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

bone posteriorly ; it expands, reaching the posterior face 
of the OS coronae, being prolonged between the two lateral 
ligaments. (Chauveau). 

1. — Liuxation of the Phalanges. 

History. — Lameness following jumping and violent 
struggles to free the foot, which has become entangled in 
some way or other. 

Inspection. — Decided change in the relation of the bones 
of the joint. Excessive dorsal flexion of the fetlock suggests 
rupture of the flexor tendons, allowing the lower end of the 
metacarpal bone to descend; should the sesamoidal 
ligaments and the lateral ones be torn, the lower end of 
the metacarpal bone can be seen in front of the joint. When 
seen on the outside or inside of the joint, the lateral 
ligaments are ruptured. 

Palpation. — Detects the abnormal position of the 
dislocated bone, and, unless swelling is too severe, the torn 
ends of the tendons or ligaments can be directly felt. 

2. — Distortion of the Phalangeal Articulations. 

History. — Sudden lameness following slips, and, in fact, 
anything stretching the ligaments excessively. 

Inspection. — While at rest the phalangeal articulations are 
in volar flexion, — that is, the animal knuckles over at the 
fetlock. After some time the lame leg may support weight 
when standing on level ground, but any sudden move, such as 
turning him around, immediately causes pronounced 
lameness. There is lameness, both when the leg is carried 
forward (swinging-leg lameness), and when weight is put 
upon it (supporting-leg lameness); the latter type, as a 
rule, predominates, especially when turning. 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 65 

Palpation. — Usually the coronet joint and pedal joint are 
affected, although the fetlock may also be sprained. Heat, 
pain and swelling are more or less apparent. Artificial 
rotation of the diseased joint is important to attain a correct 
diagnosis. Eor this purpose the leg is raised, the fetlock 
fixed, and the other hand rotates the coronet or pedal joint. 
In case the fetlock is sprained, it is well to remember that 
artificial rotation of this joint does not always give perfect 
results on account of the stability of the fetlock joint. Very 
often the animal evinces decided pain as the various parts 
of the articulations are pressed upon while palpating. It is 
very difficult to differentiate between sprain of the pedal 
and corouary joints, 

3. — Inflammation of the Posterior Ligaments 
of the Coronet Joint. 

History. — Lameness following excessive dorsal flexion of 
the coronet joint, as slipping, jumping, and hard work on 
rough ground. 

Inspection. — In the standing posture, the lame leg does 
not support any weight, and rests either upon the toe with 
the foot pointing forward, or, if the pain is severe, the foot 
may be held above the ground. There is severe supporting- 
leg lameness, with a decided shortening of the posterior 
half of the step. 

Palpation. — Local examination is of great value. The 
leg is raised and pressure exerted upon the posterior part 
of the pastern, about where the flexor tendon runs, and a 
little to each side of it; swelling and pain may thus be 
recognized. If there is more than a slight amount of 
swelling, it will be best detected by compelling the animal 
to stand on the diseased leg only, — done by picking up the 



66 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

sound one. It is also advisable to take up the foot and 
extend it, at the same time pushing the toe upward, thereby 
exerting an extra strain upon the ligamentous apparatus of 
the diseased parts. The sound leg should be manipulated 
in the same way, and the results compared ; in this way 
errors are better avoided. 

Differential Diagnosis. — This lameness resembles laminitis 
somewhat, but in the latter one finds excessive pulsation in 
the digital arteries, which is absent in inflammation of the 
posterior ligaments of the coronary joint. It differs from 
chronic navicular disease by the fact that contraction of the 
hoof and pain on compressing the horny box, over the 
region of the navicular bone, are wanting. (See page 76). 

4. — Sesamoid Lanieness. 

History. — Lameness following anything straining the 
flexor apparatus excessively, as jumping, or stopping a horse 
suddenly when going fast, etc. 

Inspection: Acute Form. — The animal, at rest, points 
forward, with the phalanges in volar flexion. There is 
supporting-leg lameness. 

Palpation. — More or less swelling and pain over the 
region of the sesamoid bones. 

Inspection: Chronic Form. — Forward pointing, with 
marked volar flexion of the phalanges when the animal 
stands quietly, is met with. There is supporting-leg 
lameness, more pronounced when first starting out, 
increasing on rough ground, and decreasing on prolonged 
rest. In severe cases, the horse is even lame at a 
walk. Permanent volar flexion of the fetlock, combined 
with swelling of the perforans tendon, is found where this 
lameness is of long standing. 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 



67 



Palpation. — Pressure over the region of the sesamoid 
bones is painful. After a time a swelling of bony hardness 
appears in that region ; it may also be at the side of the 




Fig. 10. 
The flexor pedis perforans and perforatus tendons in a case of sesamoid 
lameness ; at the point where it passes over the sesamoid bones the 
perforans tendon is fibrillated, (After Brauell). 

fetlock joint next to the metacarpal bone. Passive flexion 
of the diseased joint quite often shows limited movement. 
Later on, sometimes after years, the flexor tendons enlarge 
at the sesamoids ; in such cases there is also permanent 
volar flexion of the fetlock joint. Symmetrical swellings are 



68 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

now and then seen on the lateral aspect of the joint on one 
or both legs, causing no lameness whatsoever, and some 
skill is necessary to differentiate this condition from 
enlargements consequent upon chronic arthritis, as seen in 
sesamoid lameness. Whenever there is any doubt, sesamoid 
lameness may be diagnosed, if diseased conditions of the 
flexor tendons and chronic navicular disease are wanting. 
The examination of the sound leg should never be omitted, 
to compare results. 

5. — Fracture of the Sesamoid Bones. 

History. — Instantaneous lameness following galloping, 
jumping and sudden work after continued rest. 

Inspection. — Horizontal fracture of the sesamoid bones 
shows severe supporting-leg lameness, with excessive dorsal 
flexion of the fetlock joint ; later on, swelling of that region. 

Palpation. — In recent cases a depression may be felt 
between the broken pieces, with great pain on pressure. 
Crepitation is occasionally detected. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Rupture of the suspensory 
ligament, perforans and perforatus, offer somewhat similar 
symptoms, but are differentiated from fracture of the 
sesamoid bones as follows : 

In rupture of the suspensory ligament the torn ends can 
be felt, and the lameness is not so intense, nor the pain so 
great on palpation, as in fracture of the sesamoid bones. 
Kupture of the perforans and perforatus tendons is followed 
by excessive dorsal flexion of the fetlock, the toe of the hoof 
not touching the ground. In fracture of the sesamoid bones, 
particularly in horizontal fractures, there is only dorsal 
flexion of the fetlock, while the position of the hoof is normal 
— that is, the toe is on the ground and not elevated, as in 
rupture of the perforans, for instance. 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 69 

6. — Fracture of the Os Suffraginis. 

History. — Lameness following falls, slips, mis-steps, 
galloping, jumping and sudden turning of the animal when 
at a rapid gait. 

Inspection. — Severe supporting-leg lameness, with volar 
flexion of the fetlock when at rest. Should the fracture be 
complete the broken parts may show abnormal mobility, 
and on account of their dislocation deformity is brought on, 
with subsequent swelling. "When the bone is only fissured, 
the animal is still able to support some weight with the 
lame leg. 

Palpation. — Pronounced crepitation and usually abnormal 
mobility. When the lateral prominences are broken off, 
mobility is marked from side to side. Great pain is also 
present. In absence of crepitation artificial rotation must 
be resorted to ; if it is not productive of crepitation, careful 
palpation of the anterior surface of the suffraginis must be 
practiced, by starting at the middle of the anterior part of 
the superior extremity of this bone, going down along the 
extensor pedis tendon. Any increased sensibility, along the 
course of the tendon, running to one side or to the other 
(usually the outer one), suggests a fissured condition of the 
OS suffraginis. To correctly estimate the degree of pain 
resulting from such a palpation the leg must be kept quiet 
during the examination, and it is advisable to test the sound 
leg in the same manner, thus comparing pain and conforma- 
tion. 

7. — Fracture of the Os Corona. 

This fracture is diagnosed in the same way as that of the 
OS suffraginis, and the rules given under Sub. 6 can be 
equally well applied in recognizing this fracture. Whenever 



70 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

there is crepitation about the os corona, and no fracture of 
the OS suffraginis present, the diagnosis of " fracture of the 
OS corona" is in all i3robability the correct one. 

8. — Fracture of the Os Pedis. 

History. — Same as in Sub. 6, but can also be the 
consequence of a nail puncture. 

Inspection. — Excessive supporting-leg lameness, with volar 
jQexion of the phalanges while at rest. 

Palpation. — Crepitation, in the majority of cases, is absent, 
even on artificial rotation. Compression of the horny box, 
usually, but not invariably, is painful. Within the first 
twenty-four hours after the bone has been broken there are 
no symptoms of acute inflammation of the flexor tendons or 
hoof, but after that time increased pulsation of the digital 
arteries sets in. A good deal of discretion therefore is 
required to diagnose this trouble. If crepitation and marked 
pain on compressing the hoof are absent, the history of the 
case, the sudden severe supporting-leg lameness, with 
excessive volar flexion of the phalanges and a careful general 
examination, to detect another cause, with failure to do so, 
make the diagnosis of "fracture of the os pedis" tolerably 
certain. 

9.— Ringbone, 

History. — Severe or slight lameness ; when slight, the 
animal is apt to drive out of it, and the amount of lameness 
is likely to diminish after prolonged rest. 

Inspection. — More or less severe supporting-leg lameness, 
increased by short turns or moving the horse in a small 
circle, especially in the peri-articular form. Lameness is 
more decided on hard than on soft ground. In stepping, the 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL EEGION. 



71 



affected joint is held stiffly and the foot is picked up in a 
snatching fashion. While at rest, the lame leg is inclined to 
be abducted, as the phalanges are usually kept in volar 
flexion. Swelling may be seen either on the inside, outside, 
or in front of the large or small pastern bone. When on the 
inside or outside of the large pastern bone, it is called 
"peri-articular high ringbone "; should the swelling extend 




Fig. 11. 
Articular Eingbone. 

from the inside or the outside to the anterior surface of this 
bone, it is known as "articular high ringbone". The same 
is true of the small pastern bone, only it is termed either 
"peri-articiilar" or " articular low" ringbone. In the first 
instance the swelling is on the inside or outside of the bone, 
in the latter the swelling extends to the anterior face of that 
bone in the shape of a ring, — that is, the enlargement 
encircles the bone. Atrophy of the muscles of the leg, — a 



72 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

natural consequence of their inactivity, — is the more 
developed the older the case. During inspection both legs 
must, if possible, support the same amount of weight. 
Lateral swellings are best seen from in front. Swellings 
involving the anterior portion of the bone are more readily- 
detected by sighting the bone from above or sideways. 

Palpation. — In cases where the enlargement is as yet 
small it is difficult to diagnose ringbone. In the articular, 
as well as the peri-articular form, either high or low, the 




Fig. 12. 
Peri-articular Ringbone. 

swelling is of a bony hardness and painless, the skin on top 
of it is movable. In high ringbone the inferior extremity 
of the OS suffraginis is most frequently attacked, while in 
low ringbone the enlargement is somewhere about the 
inferior extremity of the os corona. Passive flexion, 
extension and rotation show limited mobility of the diseased 
joint, indicating anchylosis ; there is also permanent volar 
flexion of the phalanges. A positive diagnosis can, as a 
rule, only be arrived at after the enlargement has fully 
developed. 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 73 

Diffei^ential Diagnosis. — In colts, on account of the 
incomplete growth of the hoof, the coronet joint lies higher 
and the phalangeal extremities are more prominent ; but the 
absence of lameness, and the fact that the young animal 
supports weight with all its feet normally, will settle any 
doubt. Sidebones ought not to be mistaken for low ringbone 
when palpation is properly conducted. Careful paljjation 
will also differentiate thickened conditions of the skin about 
the regions usually showing riugbone, but some trouble may 
be experienced in differentiating sprain of the coronet joint 
from ringbone. In these cases the increased temperature 
of the part upon pressure and the history will usually suffice 
to recognize this as distortion of the coronet joint, bearing 
in mind that no increased heat or pain is noticed on 
palpation in true ringbone. 

10. — Fracture of the Navicular Bone. 

History. — Sudden severe lameness following jumping, 
stopping the animal suddenly while going at a rapid gait, 
nail punctures, etc. 

Inspection. — The lame leg is constantly kept in the air, or 
rests on the toe. When the animal is obliged to support 
weight with the lame leg it will do so most cautiously, with 
excessive volar flexion of the phalanges, the toe being held 
obliquely downward and backward. Later on swelling 
appears in the hollow of the heel. 

Palpation. — Intense pain is produced by raising the foot 
and practicing forced dorsal flexion of the phalanges, by 
extending the toe and pushing it in an upward direction. 
In the one case met with by the writer, which was in a 
trotting horse going at a 20 gait, and suddenly stopped on 
the track to avoid a collision, seen about four hours after 



74 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

intense lameness appeared, the above symptoms, with 
increased throbbing of the digital arteries of the lame foot, 
were evident. The diagnosis was confirmed by a post 
mortem examination. 

11. — Navicular Disease. 

History. — The horse points forward whenever standing 
still. Later on he seems stiff when first taken out of the 
stable, going lamer on hard than on soft ground, and 
gradually drives out of the lameness. 

Inspection. — In the standing posture the animal shows 
volar flexion of the phalanges, pointing forward. When 
both feet are involved, he frequently shifts the weight from 
one foot to the other, and keeps them in advance of the 
chest, or first points with one foot and then with the other. 
When going, there is a tendency to dig the toes into the 
ground, and the animal is apt to stumble, especially in 
disease of both feet. In these cases the gait is stilty, the 
shoulders appear stiff, and the feet remain on the ground as 
little as possible. Little exercise is necessary to bring on 
sweating and exhaustion. In the early stages of the disease, 
the animal may drive out of the lameness ; nevertheless, 
hard work intensifies it. Resting the horse entirely for a 
long time often diminishes the lameness to such an extent 
that it is barely visible. It is a distinct supporting-leg 
lameness. Backing is difficult. Lameness is usually 
increased by travelling on hard and rough ground. In cases 
of some standing, inspection of the hoof shows an apparently 
swollen condition of the coronet, ridges on the horny box, 
the hoof seems lengthened, the heels are long, the quarters 
diminished in size, the concavity of the sole is greatly 
increased, and the frog more or less atrophied. The toe of 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL REGION. 75 

the hoof or shoe shows more wear than any other part of 
the hoof or shoe. Contraction in itself must not be relied 
upon too much in the diagnosis of navicular disease, even 
in cases of some standing. For instance, it is well to know 
that the left foot naturally is often smaller than the right 
one, although the writer is acquainted with a three-year-cld 
trotting horse and a five-year-old carriage horse, in both of 
which the right fore foot is perceptibly smaller than the left 
one ; neither of these horses have ever been lame. 

Palpation. — Heat in the hollow of the heel and increased 
pulsation of the collateral artery of the cannon or digital 
arteries, according to most authorities, is not detected in 
true navicular disease. In cases of navicular disease seen 
by the writer, some of which were confirmed as such by 
post mortem examinations, increased pulsation of the 
arteries or increase of temperature about the hollow of the 
heel were absent. The deep-seated pain may be detected 
by pushing the thumb firmly into the hollow of the heel in 
the direction of the navicular bone ; at the same time the 
toe is forced upwards. When this does not give satisfactory 
results, one jaw of the hoof- tester is placed upon the middle 
of the frog, while the other one rests upon the wall in the 
region of the toe, and now gradual pressure is exercised. 
Sometimes the sole and bars are too thick to permit of 
positive results with the pincers ; in such cases the bars 
and sole must first be pared before the test with the pincers is 
made. Should there still be a doubt existing after this test, 
the animal can be shod with a bar shoe, the bar of which 
presses upon the frog. In true navicular disease, lameness 
will then increase. My personal experience taught me that 
a tip with a toe piece, — thus raising the toe and bringing 
the heels abnormally low, — gives better results and is more 



76 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

easily made than the bar-slioe. lu case both feet are 
affected at the same time, diagnosis often becomes 
exceedingly difficult, and main reliance should be placed iu 
palpation. A good deal of discretion is required, as the 
animal experiences pain by standing upon one leg, which is 
necessary during the examination ; therefore his attempts to 
draw away the foot to be examined cannot always be looked 
upon as pain resulting from the hoof-testers, etc. 

Differential Diagnosis: 1. Sesamoid Lameness. — Careful 
examination of the region of the sesamoids is sufficient to 
avoid errors. (See page QQ.) 

2. Thrush. — In bad cases of thrush, where the greater 
part of the frog is diseased, a supporting-leg lameness is 
sometimes produced, which in some respects resembles 
navicular lameness. In thrush, volar flexirn of the 
phalanges and forward pointing are not so persistent as in 
navicular disease. In severe forms of thrush, lameness, 
more acute on soft than on hard and level ground, with a 
tendency to increase when working, is apparent. Pressure 
upon the diseased frog with the hoof-tester must be done 
carefully and slowly, as less pressure is required to produce 
pain in thrush than in navicular disease. In doubtful cases 
it is advisable to practice forced dorsal flexion of the 
phalanges, which, as already stated, usually causes pain in 
true navicular disease, but not in thrush. 

3. Sprain of the Posterior Ligaments of the Coronet Joint. — 
The examination of the horny box and its contents with the 
hoof-tester is painless ; but palpation of the region of the 
posterior ligaments of this joint will in all probability locate 
pain and perhaps swelling of the ligaments in question. 
Lameness resulting from sprain of the posterior ligaments 



LAMENESS IN THE PHALANGEAL EEGION. 77 

ol the coronet joint is usually much more severe than 
navicular lameness. 

4. Contracted Sole. — This condition is rare, and often 
exceedingly difficult to differentiate from navicular disease. 
The generally accepted points of difference are as follows: 
"While there is throbbing in the digital arteries in contracted 
sole, there is none in navicular disease ; in the latter the 
entire hoof atrophies ; in contracted sole there is only a 
narrowing of the inferior border of the hoof. Little red 
spots are found in the white line in contracted sole, but not 
in navicular disease. (See page 152.) 

5. Contracted Quarters. — Are easily mistaken for navicular 
disease ; in contracted quarters there is usually throbbing 
in the digital arteries and pain on compressing the quarters, 
which is not found in navicular disease. Should contracted 
quarters be a consequence of navicular disease, the pressure 
upon the frog, to demonstrate pain, must decide. 



CHAPTEK IX. 



LAMENESS IN THE HIND-LEG. 



Anatomo-physiological Revie-vr. 

The luuctions of the hind-leg, like those of the fore-leg, 
may be divided into the swinging and supporting leg. The 
supporting leg sustains the weight while the animal is at 
rest, but during motion it is also concerned in the propulsion 
of the body. The function of the supporting leg is executed 
principally without the aid of muscles, it being equipped 
with a check apparatus which fixes the joints. Under these 
circumstances an expenditure of muscular energy becomes 
at once unnecessary, provided the joints from the stifle down 
are fixed, the ilium being immovable and sustained by the 
head of the femur. The flexor metatarsi unites the stifle 
and hock joints, the gastrocnemii, the posterior face of the 
femur and os calcis. As the flexor metatarsi is in front and 
the gastrocnemii behind the axis of the stifle and hock joints, 
the femur is connected with the metatarsus in such a 
manner as to make the movements of these two joints 
dependent on each other, — that is, if one is extended or 
flexed the other undergoes the same movement at the same 
time. The phalanges are fixed similarly as in the fore-leg 
by the flexor tendons ; the check ligament of the perforans 
pulling the hock downward and backward, just as the carpus 
is fixed in the fore-leg. While the check ligament just 



LAMENESS IN THE HIND-LEG. 



79 



mentioned is less developed in the hind-leg, it, together 
with the flexor pedis perforans and perforatus, helps to fix 
the stifle and hock joints, sustaining the equilibrium of the 
limb. Whenever the weight of the body causes the fetlock 




Fig. 13. 
1. Upper insertion of flexor perforatus ; 2, do. of gastrocneniii ; 3, do. 
of flexor metatarsi ; 4, lower insertion of flexor metatarsi ; 5, do. of 
extensor pedis ; 6, do. of gastrocnemii ; 7, do. of flexor perforans. 



to descend, and thus tightens the check apparatus, the 
inferior extremity of the femur is pulled down and backward. 
This same act has also a tendency to extend the stifle joint 
and to fix it ; the supporting leg, therefore, is provided with 
a fixed stifle joint, which in return means that all other 
joints are also fixed. The stifle joint is fixed by the tightened 



80 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

perforatus, perforans and tendinous intersections of +lie 
gastrocnemii, which pull the femur backward. In front 
the flexor metatarsi envelopes the stifle, also assisting in 
its extension. In this manner the equilibrium is almost 
perfect, very little help of the muscles inserted about the 
patella being required to maintain it. The propulsion of 
the weight of the body depends on the three upper joints 
and their powerful muscles. Vigorous extension of these 
joints produces decided tightening of the flexor tendons of 
the foot, pressing the toe and sole of the hoof against the 
ground. This stretching of the flexors results in an elastic 
gait and facilitates the beginning forward stride, If the 
extension of the hind-leg takes place slowly, as in a walk, 
the body, so to speak, is pushed forward. Trotting and 
galloping, calling for a more powerful and sudden extension 
of the hind-leg, throws the body forward. 

At the moment the function of the supporting leg is 
finished, all fasciae are tense, this being the primary factor 
in introducing the function of the swinging leg, — that is, 
the beginning of the forward stride. Now the ilio-psoas, 
tensor fasciae lata, pectineus and sartorius act to advance 
the leg, taking place under gradual flexion of all joints. As 
soon as the hoof is perpendicularly under the hip-joint, the 
further advance of the leg is accompanied by gradual 
extension of all joints from the stifle down ; while the above 
named muscles continue their action, the triceps femoris, 
similar to the olecranian muscles of the fore-leg, assists in 
the extension of the stifle and hock joints and forward 
movement of the limb. The extensors of the hock and foot 
are also concerned in this motion ; thus the hoof reaches the 
ground, and the function of the supporting leg begins once 
more. The function of the supporting leg is based upon 



LAMENESS IN THE HIND LEG. 81 

the tightening of the tendinous apparatus fixing the joints, 
it being assisted by the triceps femoris. There is at first 
a gradual increasing flexion of the joints, due to the 
relaxation of the patellar muscles, the joints of the limb 
flexing as the weight of the body is received by the leg, until 
the hoof is about perpendicularly below the hip joint ; now 
the energetic contractions of the extensors of the hip, stifle 
and hock joints, which means practically all the muscles of 
the leg, lengthen it and move the body forward. 

Swinging-leg lameness of the hind-leg can be divided 
into three main groups. 

Swinging-leg lameness in general depends on diseased 
conditions of the active organs of locomotion, primarily the 
muscles ; but disease of the joints, tendons and their 
sheaths may also produce it. 

Swinging-leg lameness, with retarded movement and 
shortening of the anterior half of the step, is present in : 

1. Inflammation and rupture of the ilio-psoas. The 
hind-legs are dragged, rising and lying down is painful, and 
therefore cautiously done. 

2. Painful states in the tensor fasciae lata. 

3. Inflammatory processes in the gluteal muscles, 
especially the tendon of the middle gluteus. 

4. Contraction of the muscular elements of the limb, due 
to severe and continued work, bring on a dragging gait ; it is 
characterized by the fact that the phalangeal muscles are 
also affected, causing the fetlock to be upright and to 
knuckle over at the moment the function of the supporting- 
leg sets in. 

5. Paralysis of the sciatic nerve and its collateral 
branches. 



82 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

6. Diseases of joints, as upward luxation of the patella, 
inflammation of the hip and stifle joints. 

7. Painful conditions of tendon sheaths, as that of the 
flexor pedis perforans on the inner surface of the hock joint, 
or perforatus on the os calcis. As long as this condition is 
acute and painful it causes an apparently spasmodic and 
frequently repeated flexion of all joints, the hoof often being 
raised as high as the hock. Disease of the lower tendon 
sheaths produces an upright fetlock. 

8. Painful states of bones, as fracture of the trochanter 
of the femur, fracture of the pelvis in front of the acetabulum, 
in periostitis and fissures of the tibia. 

9. Painful diseases in the neighborhood of the upper 
thigh, as in inguinal hernia, scirrhous cord, swollen inguinal 
glands. 

Swinging-leg lameness, with irregular action of the limb, 
is present in : 

1. Excessive flexion of all joints, as in stringhalt; spavin 
and painful conditions of the skin about the phalanges, as in 
grease or injuries to the anterior portion of the coronet ; in 
the latter the excessive flexion soon disappears after a few 
steps have been taken. The stifle joint is continually flexed 
in inflammation of the stifle and paralysis of the tibial 
nerve. 

2. Upward luxation of the patella, which is followed by 
excessive extension of all joints. 

Swinging-leg lameness, with abnormal motion of some 
joints, is present in : 

1. Hip joint. Excessive flexion, as in spavin. 

2. Stifle joint. Excessive flexion of this joint, with 
extreme extension of the hock joint, is seen in rupture of 
the tendinous part of the flexor metatarsi. Occasionally 



LAMENESS IN THE HIND-LEG. 83 

outward luxation of the patella produces abnormal flexion 
of the stifle joint ; upward luxation of the patella causes 
excessive extension of both the stifle and hock joints. 
Rupture of the gastrocnemii or their tendons gives rise to 
abnormal extension of the stifle and the hock joint, flexing 
as weight is put upon the leg. 

3. Hock joint. Paralysis of the tibial nerve, which is 
rare, produces excessive flexion of this joint in the swinging 
as well as in the supporting leg ; abnormal extension of the 
hock joint, as in rupture of the flexor metatarsi, fractures of 
the femur and tibia. 

4. Phalanges. Paralysis of the tibial nerve and rupture 
of the extensor pedis, especially its tendon, is manifested by 
volar flexion of that region. 

Supporting-leg lameness of the hind-leg can be divided 
into eight main groups. 

The supporting action of the hind-leg depends on the 
resistance offered by its long bones and the fixing of the 
different joints, which is mainly done by the triceps femoris 
and the tendon of the gastrocnemii. 

Suspension of the function of the supporting leg, with 
inability to support the weight of the body, collapsing in 
the attempt, is present in : 

1. Paralysis of the triceps femoris, or crural nerve. 

2. Animals suffering with thrombosis of the iliac arteries 
after active exercise. 

3. Rupture of the patellar muscles and of the straight 
ligaments of the patella. 

4 Complete outward luxation of the patella. 

5. Rupture of the gastrocnemii or their tendon. 

6. Fracture of the long bones. 



84 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Sliortening of the period of weight-bearing and posterior 
half of the step is present in : 

1. Diseases of the hoof. 

2. Painful states in the tendons and tendon sheaths of 
the flexor muscles, especially the perforans. 

3. Painful diseases of the joints ; short turns increasing 
the lameness, as in spavin. 

4 Inflammatory conditions of the fasciae. 

5. Fractures of the pelvis and painful diseases of the 
muscles of the internal crural region, especially the gracilis 
muscle. 

Abduction of the whole leg, is present in : 

Painful states in the outer half of the hoof, in animals 
spavined on both legs. 

Abduction of the entire leg, is present in : 

Fractures of the pelvis, especially pubis, and in the 
cotyloid cavity ; thrombosis of the iliac arteries, and 
occasionally in spavin. 

Inward and outward rotation of the whole leg is present in: 

1. Inward or outward rotation, as in fractures of the 
long bones. 

2. Inward rotation, in rupture of the internal ligament 
of the patella and in inflammation of the bursa and tendon 
of the middle gluteus muscle. In backward luxation of the 
femur, the leg is also adducted. 

3. Outward rotation, with abduction, in forward luxation, 
and with lengthening of the leg in inward luxation (obturator 
foramen) of the femur. 

Abnormal flexion of all joints of the leg, is present in ; 
(See pages 82-83.) 



LAMENESS IN THE HIND-LEG. 85 

Abnormal extension of all joints of the leg is present in : 
(See pages 82, 83.) 

Abnormal position of individual joints in the supporting- 
leg, is present in : 

1. Exaggerated flexion of the hip joint, with forward 
pointing of the limb in order to relieve pain in diseases of 
the fore feet, as founder ; abnormal extension of the hip 
joint, as in bilateral chronic inflammation of the stifle joint. 

2. Stifle joint. Abnormal flexion of this joint is seen in 
the disease mentioned on page 82, also in outward luxation 
of the patella. Abnormal extension, as in upward luxation 
of the patella. 

3. Hock joint. Abnormal flexion of the joint, as in 
paralysis of the crural nerve, disease of the patellar muscles 
and rupture of the gastrocnemii or their tendon. Paralysis 
of the tibial nerve causes abnormal flexion of the stifle and 
hock joints. Excessive extension of the hock joint is 
sometimes due to spavin. 

4 Phalanges. On the whole, the same causes, bringing 
about abnormal positions in the fore-leg, are also active in 
the production of similar conditions in the hind-leg. An 
upright fetlock is produced by inflammations of the flexor 
tendons and their sheaths, or shortening of their muscular 
or tendinous portion. Although these symptoms are about 
the same as in the fore-leg, the hock joint is less influenced 
than the carpus, but muscular contraction results in 
knuckling at the fetlock at each step. An upright fetlock 
also follows diseases of the phalangeal joints, chiefly the 
fetlock and coronet joints ; inflammatory changes in the skin 
on the posterior face of the phalanges ; in the hoof, as a 
secondary symptom, all such conditions as paralysis of the 



86 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

crural and tibial nerves and rupture of the gastrocnemii and 
their tendon. 

Dorsal flexion of the phalanges accompanies anything 
increasing the angle of the hock, such as dislocation of the 
flexor pedis perforatus, rupture and stretching of the flexor 
tendons, sesamoidal ligaments, and finally horizontal 
fracture of the sesamoid bones. 



CHAPTER X. 



LAMENESS IN THE GLUTEAL. REGION. 



1. — Hip Lameness. 

The symptoms in hip lameness are sufficiently pronounced 
to establish the region of the hip as the seat of the 
lameness. Nevertheless, it is an ambiguous diagnosis, 
which immediately points out that the exact seat of the 
lameness is only known approximately. Nor is it to 
be wondered at, that diagnostic difficulties are met with, 
since the thick layers of muscles necessarily interfere 
with palpation and the results of phathological processes, as 
heat, pain and swelling, etc., are ill-defined ; therefore, 
morbid conditions about the hip joint or upper region of the 
hind-leg will occasionally escape the closest observer. 

History. — Lameness following falls, collisions, kicks, 
slips, etc. 

From a clinical standpoint it is of value to divide this 
lameness into three main groups : (a) In the bones of 
the pelvis or femur, as old fractures ; (?>) diseased conditions 
of the muscles of that region, this being undoubtedly the 
most frequent cause ; (c) peripheral nerve paralysis, 
especially in paralysis of branches of the great sciatic, 
crural and obturator nerves. 

Inspection. — It is clear that the nature of a lameness 
depending on so many causes will not be alike in all cases; 



87 



I 



88 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

at the same time there is a certain similarity in the 
symptoms offered. Swingiug-leg lameness, with retarded 
movement of the leg, or even dragging of the whole leg. If 
the hip joint is diseased supporting-leg lameness is noticed, 
while diseased conditions of the muscular elements do not, 
as a rule, interfere with the function of the supporting leg. 
Lameness is apt to increase on hard work, backing and 
abrupt turning. Sometimes the animal starts out lame, 
gradually driving out of the lameness ; or the reverse is 
true. 

Palpation. — Swelling, increased heat and pain may be 
detected, and serve as valuable guides in locating the seat of 
the lameness. 

2. — Infiammation of the Tendon and Tendon Sheath 
of the Middle Gluteus Muscle. 

Anatomy. — This, the largest of the glutei muscles, is 
attached superiorly to the internal face of the gluteal fascia, 
the aponeurosis of the longissimus dorsi, the superior face 
and anterior angles of the ilium and the two ilio-sacral 
ligaments. Inferiorly, it is inserted by means of two 
branches on the trochanter major of the femur ; one tendon 
is fixed on the summit ; the other, after gliding over the 
cartilaginous surface of the convexity, where it forms a large 
bursa, is inserted into the crest. (Chauveau.) 

History. — Lameness following falls, collisions, heavy 
work, etc. 

Inspection. — When at rest the leg is usually flexed, or it 
may support its full share of weight, this referring especially 
to recent cases. During motion the animal trots obliquely, 
like a dog, — that is, the hind-legs swerve from the straight 
line, the forward stride being shortened. In chronic cases 



LAMENESS IN THE GLUTEAL KEGION. 89 

the lameness becomes most noticeable when a heavy load is 




Fig. 14. 

Tendon sheaths and bursse of the hind-limb of the horse, seen from 
without (semi-diagrammatic). — a, Trochanteric bursa; b, prepatellar 
bursa ; c, bursa of the extensor pedis ; d, bursa calcanea ; e, biirsa 
of the flexor pedis perf oratus tendon ; /, bursa of the peroneus 
tendon. 

pulled, the horse starting with the sound leg, shortening the 



90 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

period of weight-bearing of the lame leg as much as possible; 
theu, again, lameness is most apparent when turning. In 
these old cases wasting of the gluteal muscles is present. 

Palpation. — In acute cases pain on pressure over the 
great trochanter, increased heat and swelling in that region, 
are quite marked. The detection of crepitation over the 
middle trochanter, best felt by resting the hand upon that 
region and walking the horse at the same time, is to be 
mainly relied upon. The writer has seen a number of these 
cases in draft-mules obliged to do heavy and prolonged 
backing. Crepitation with local changes must be looked 
upon as pathognomonic, as mere swelling and pain in that 
region, and even an oblique trot, may follow other diseases, 
— for instance, old cases of fractured pelvis. 



CHAPTER XI. 



LAMENESS IN THE KEGION OF THE 
HIP JOINT. 



1. — Luxation of the Femnr. 

History. — Lameness following slips, falls, unexpected 
turning, and blows, etc. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg lameness is, as a rule, pro- 
nounced, although supporting-leg lameness is present to 
some extent. Depending on the kind of luxation, visible 
changes in the form of the joint are present, and the leg may 
appear longer or shorter than usua^l. 

Palpation. — Either per rectum or over the region of the 
hip joint one may encounter abnormal conditions ; passive 
movements are exceedingly free in one direction, and limited 
in another one, this differentiating a fracture from luxation 
almost invariably. In fracture, passive movement is 
generally unobstructed and accompanied by crepitations. 
At times the friction of the end of the dislocated bone 
against the soft parts, as muscles, tendons, etc., causes a soft 
crepitation, easily distinguished from the harsh, grating 
sound of a fracture. 

(a) FOKWARD LUXATION OF THE FEMUR. 

If weight is put upon the leg the trochanter becomes 
plainly visible, stretching the skin which lies in folds over 
the thigh and stifle, which is turned outwards; the leg 
appears shortened, the femur is perpendicular. 

91 



92 LAME'NESS IN THE HORSE. 

(h) BACKWARD LUXATION OF THE FEMUR. 

Swinging and supporting leg lameness. The leg is 
advanced in an outward swinging fashion, the toe possibly- 
dragging over the ground. Standing still, the skin over the 
gluteal region is tightly stretched ; a depression will be 
noticed about the trochanter and a groove in front of the 
biceps muscle. The leg is abducted, but the stifle is turned 
inwards. Striking the trochanter, or pushing the extended 
leg suddenly back, gives rise to a dull sound as the head of 
the femur strikes the ischium. 

(c) INWARD LUXATION OF THE FEMUR. 

If the head of the femur rests against the transverse 
portion of the os pubis, the animal shows an unsteady, 
wabbling gait, a depression is seen over the region of the 
hip joint ; of passive movements, abduction is excessively 
free while adduction is limited. If the head of the femur 
is in the obturator foramen, the symptoms are very much 
like those in the just described condition, but the head of 
the femur can be felt in the obturator foramen by rectal or 
vaginal examination, particularly when the leg is pushed 
upwards at the same time. 

(d) OUTWARD LUXATION OF THE FEMUR. 

It is quite difficult for the animal to walk, as the leg is 
materially shortened. In a case of a mule, seen by the writer, 
the trochanter was plainly visible, and could be readily 
identified as such by palpation directly in front and above 
the cotyloid cavity. Whenever the mule took a step and 
put weight upon the lame leg, decided upward movement of 
the trochanter and stretching of the skin could be readily 
seen. The characteristic points therefore are : shortening 
of the leg with adduction, limited passive movements. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE HIP-JOINT. 93 

swelling over the liip joint, recognized by palpation to be 
tbe trochanter of the femur. 

2. — Inflammation of the Hip Joint. 

This disease is rare in the horse, and seldom recognized 
as such. More or less severe lameness when the leg is 
brought forward, it being advanced in an outward swinging 
manner. If the animal is suddenly turned on the diseased 
leg, it is liable to collapse. When purulent inflammation 
of the joint is present, symptoms of cellulitis in the region 
of the joint can be discovered, consisting, in the first stages, 
of a hot, painful, doughy swelling, becoming harder later on, 
with abscess formation. 

3. — Fracture of the Femur. 

History. — Sudden lameness following falls, kicks, strug- 
gling while cast, with inability to rise, etc. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg lameness is seen, as well as 
supporting-leg lameness. The tottering, dangling motion of 
the thigh, even at a distance, suggests fracture of the femur 
or tibia. Should the lower portion of the fractured bone 
slip into the cotyloid cavity, thus enabling the animal to 
support weight on that leg, it may become difficult to 
diagnose it, but, as a rule, the leg is then perceptibly 
shortened. Severe swinging-leg lameness, — that is, a 
shortened and retarded forward stride and abduction of the 
leg, — together with swelling over the region of the 
trochanter, follows fracture of the latter. Fracture of a 
condyle is accompanied by severe swinging and supporting 
leg lameness ; all the joints are kept flexed, and symptoms 
of acute inflammation of the stifle joint set in in a few days. 
(See page 101.) 



94 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

Palpation. — In fracture of the neck or head of the femur, 
abnormal abduction is possible, and crepitation is, as a rule, 
well marked, unless the parts are too much displaced. 
Manipulations, such as passive movements, produce severe 
pain. In fracture of the trochanter, a painful swelling in 
that region will be noticed. Localized and painful 
swelling, together with the above symptoms, are found in 
fracture of a condyle of the femur. 



CHAPTEE XII. 



THROMBOSIS OF THE POSTERIOR AORTA 
AND ITS BRANCHES. 



History. — An intermittent lameness of more or less 
severity when engaged in active work, disappearing while 
resting, and reappearing on brisk exercise. 

Inspection. — In the standing posture, and before any 
active exercise has been taken, nothing abnormal is seen, 
but as soon as the animal is given a good trot of a few to 
several hundred yards, supporting-leg lameness or swinging- 
leg lameness, depending on the vessels obstructed, promptly 
sets in. 

FaliKition. — Now and then the lame leg is colder than 
than the other one, and rectal examination of the aorta or 
its branches locates the obstructed vessel. 

(«) FEMORAL ARTERY. 

Shortened and retarded forward stride combined with 
dragging of the leg. (Swinging-leg lameness.) 

(b) ILIAC ARTERY. 

Supporting-leg lameness, with collapse of the leg when an 
attempt is made to sustain weight. When both arteries are 
obstructed the hind legs sway to and fro. Should exercise 
be continued, the hind legs rapidly become powerless, and 
the animals falls. In such cases, as well as in thrombosis 
of the posterior aorta, inability to sustain any weight, even 
when standing, is a consequence. These severe cases are 
frequently accompanied by violent beating of the heart, 
difficult respiration and cramps in the muscles of the hind 
leg. The animal may sweat profusely, yet the lame leg 
remains dry. 

95 



CHAPTER XIII. 



PERIPHERAL NERVE PARALYSIS. 



Anatomy. — The lum bo-sacral plexus furnishes the nerve 
supply for the muscles of the hind-leg. The anterior 
portion of the plexus has two important branches — the 
crural and obturator nerves. The former supplies the 
triceps femoris muscle, peetineus and long adductor of the 
leg ; the latter provides the adductors of the thigh, gracilis 
and obturator externus. The important part of the posterior 
portion of the plexus is the great sciatic nerve and its 
collateral branches ; of these the small femoro-popliteal 
nerve is distributed to the flexor metatarsi, anterior and 
lateral extensor of the phalanges, while the tibial nerve 
supplies the adductors, gastrocnemii and flexors of the 
foot, — in fact, all the muscles on the posterior surface of 
the lower portion of the leg. (Chauveau.) 

1. — Tibial Nerve. 

Inspection. — The animal supports weight with the lame 
leg ; both hock and phalanges are excessively flexed. The 
hock cannot be extended, the leg is advanced by raising 
the foot unusually high, and it is put to the ground in a 
gropiug manner. Trottiug is impossible. 

Palpation. — The lower portions of the hind leg are 
wanting in sensibility. The gastrocnemii and perforans are 
flabby and atrophied, in paralysis of some standing. 

2. — Ischiatic Nerve. 

Inspection. — While walking, the leg is trailed over the 
ground. The animal is unable to advance or elevate the leg, , 



PERIPHERAL NERVE PARALYSIS. 



97 



•which appears lifeless, and the phalanges are excessively 
flexed. When the leg is artificially placed in a normal 
position it is caj^able of supporting weight. 

Falpation. — The mnscles are flabby, and the sensibility 
of the skin of the leg is absent. 




Fig. 15. 
Incomplete crural paralysis. From an instantaneous photograph. 

3. — Crural Nerve. 

Inspection (complete paralysis). — It is impossible for the 
animal to support any weight with the lame leg, and any 
attempt in that direction is immediately followed by extreme 
flexion of all joints, — that is, the leg collapses. 

Palpation. — The skin on the inside of the thigh loses its 
sensibility. 



98 LAMENESS IN THE HOKSE. 

Inspection {incomplete jjaralysis). — The posterior half of 
the step is shortened, all joints are somewhat flexed, and 
the croup of the affected side sinks down a little. In older 
cases, the animal accustoms himself to a peculiar gait, seen 
to advantage when the horse is led slowly by the observer. 
The animal makes use of the abductor and adductor muscles 
of the leg to aid immobilizing the stifle joint, as the triceps 
femoris is powerless. The superior extremity of the tibia 
is drawn up and backwards, and the patella remains fixed 
on the condyles of the femur. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Eupture of the muscles of the 
triceps femoris and outward luxation of the patella give rise 
to similar symptoms. The diagnosis of the former is very 
difficult ; a gap may possibly be found between the separated 
ends of the muscles. The fact that crural nerve paralysis is 
usually a sequel to hsemoglobinsemia and that rupture of 
the muscles follows falls or slips, etc., may facilitate the 
diagnosis of rupture of a muscle. Outward luxation of the 
patella is recognized by careful palpation. 

4. — Incomplete Paralysis of the Hind-leg. 

History. — Lameness following exposure to wet and cold, 
unaccustomed hard and continued work, and struggling when 
cast and unable to rise, etc. 

Inspection. — Loss of strength and irregularity of movement 
are apparent. Such animals appear weak behind and tire 
rapidly. The feet are raised incompletely, the toes are 
dragged, and the corresponding part of the horny box is 
worn excessively. The animal finishes the step by lifting 
the feet up rather suddenly and carrying them to an abnormal 
height; quite frequently the leg makes a swinging outward 
movement as it advances. In the next step the horse takes, 



PEKIPHEEAL NEKVE PARALYSIS. 99 

the feet possibly cross each other, the hind-quarters execute 
a sort of rolling motion, and the animal is in danger of 
falling. The awkward movement is plainly seen when the 
horse is suddenly turned. Beflex irritability is occasionally 
increased. Slight bilateral atrophy is liable to be met with. 



CHAPTEE XIV. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE 
FEMORO-TIBIAL ARTICtTLATION. 

Anatomy. — This is an imperfect liinge-joint. It lias two 
semi-lunar fibro-cartilages interposed between the condyles 
of the femur and tibial facets. The patella is united to the 
tibia by three ligaments, situated in front of the articulation. 
The external patellar ligament is attached to the anterior 
tuberosity of the tibia ; superiorly it is fixed to the anterior 
face of the patella. It is also joined to the internal ligament 
by an aponeurotic extension of the fascia lata. The internal 
patellar ligament is attached inferiorly to the inner side of 
the anterior tuberosity of the tibia. Superiorly it is fixed 
to a prominence inside the patella. The middle patellar 
ligament, between the other two, leaves the anterior face of 
the patella, and is lodged in the fossa in the middle of the 
anterior tuberosity of the tibia. The femoro-patellar capsule, 
a membranous expansion, maintains the patella against the 
femoral trochlea, covering above and laterally the superior 
synovial membrane. This capsule is attached to the borders 
of the trochlea and periphery of the patella. The femoro- 
tibial ligaments consist of two lateral ones, the external one 
running between the external condyle of the femur and 
fibula, the internal one between the internal condyle and 
tibia. The posterior ligament is a capsular one, formed by 
two layers ; the superficial layer is fixed above to the posterior 
face of the femur, and below to the gastrocnemii ; the deep 
layer surrounds the condyles of the femur. After being 

100 



IN THE REGION OF THE FEMORO-TIBIAL ARTICULATION. 101 

united, these layers are attached close to the posterior 
portion of the superior articular face of the tibia. The 
crucial ligaments run between the tibial spine and the femoral 
condyles. The superior synovial membrane, strengthened 
by the femoro-patellar capsule, facilitates the gliding of the 
patella. The two lateral synovial membranes facilitate the 
gliding of the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia. The 
external synovial membrane also lines the tendon of the 
popliteus muscle, and its expansion descends into the anterior 
groove of the tibia, enveloping the tendon of the extensor 
pedis and flexor metatarsi. The two lateral femoro-patellar 
synovial ligaments lie against that of the femoro-patellar 
articulation, and not infrequently communicate with it. 
(Chauveau.) 

1. — Acute Inflammation of the Stifle Joint. 

History. — Lameness following external violence and 
wounds, etc. 

Inspection. — Severe supporting and swinging-leg lameness 
are evident. The animal carefully avoids any movements, 
and the whole leg is kept flexed. A diffuse swelling around 
the stifle, and in case of a wound purulent synovia will be 
seen to flow from it. 

Palpation. — Great pain on palpation, with hot swelling 
in the region of the patella, (See fig. 14). 

2. — Chronic Inflammation of the Stifle Joint. 

History. — Gradually developed lameness in draught 
horses exposed to heavy and fast work. 

Inspection. — In the earlier stages of the disease lameness 
often escapes notice, especially when both stifle joints are 
affected. Swinging-leg lameness, with retarded movement 



102 



LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



and shortened anterior half of the step in walkings 
particularly when starting out, is pronounced. The leg is 
advanced stiffly, and is apt to trip on rough and uneven 
ground. The gait reminds one of spavin lameness, but it 
lacks the peculiar hip-jerk of the latter. In the standing 
posture, the lame leg, if one only is affected, is kept flexed, 
but when both joints are diseased the weight is frequently 




Fig. 16. 
Left-sided chronic inflammation of the stifle joint (Gonitis chronica). 



shifted from one leg to the other, the resting one being^ 
flexed. 

Palpation. — Pain is rarely produced by pressure upon 
the diseased parts, but the distended capsular membrane 
can, as a rule, be plainly felt, and perhaps seen. In old cases 
the enlarged internal condyle of the femur can be readily 
detected, clearly noticeable when standing behind the 



IN THE EEGION OF THE FEMORO-TIBIAL ARTICULATION. 103 



animal, placing the hands over tlie stifle and comparing the 
two joints. Occasionally abduction and inward rotation of 
the diseased parts cause severe pain. 




Bilateral chronic inflammation of the stifle joint (Gonitis chronica 
bilateralis). From a photograph. 

3. — Luxation of the Patella. 

History. — Lameness following slips, falls, kicks, etc. 

Inspection. — In momentary upward luxation lameness 
may be so little that it is apt to be overlooked, or at the 
moment the foot leaves the ground and is carried forward a 
sudden upward jerk of it is seen, similar to stringhalt. 
This peculiar movement can appear in one or both legs ; it 
is best seen when the animal is turned around, or it is 



104 



LAMENESS IN THE HOKSE. 



conspicuous only during the first few steps when beginning 
to work, losing itself later on. Close observation is 
therefore necessary to detect the momentary stop of the 
patella, while again it may be plainly seen to stop and 
suddenly jump down. The sudden flexion, following the 
momentary stop of the patella upon the inner lip of the 
femoral trochlea, must not be mistaken for a cramp of the 
muscles of the anterior femoral region. In stationary 




Fig. 18. 

upward luxation of the patella there is swinging-leg 
lameness, with extreme extension of all joints, — that is, the 
leg is stretched backwards, and no assistance rendered can 
flex the joints. In cases where both joints are affected the 
animal is unable to move and apparently fastened to the 
ground. 

OUTWARD LUXATION OF THE PATELLA. 

Inspection. — There is supporting-leg lameness, with 
unusual flexion of all joints, similar as in crural nerve 
paralysis. 



IN THE REGION OF THE FEMORO-TIBIAL ARTICULATION. 105 

Palpation. — Generally the patella can be readily felt in 
its abnormal place, while the capsular ligament is rather 
prominent below the knee. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Crural nerve paralysis and rupture 
of the muscles, extending the stifle joint, shows similar 
symptoms, but careful palpation and the abnormal position 
of the patella usually suffice to settle the question. (See 
page 97.) 

4. — Rupture of the Straight Ligaments 
of the Patella. 

History. — Lameness following external violence, jumping 
and slipping. 

Inspection. — In rupture of the outer straight ligament, 
which seems to be the one most frequently involved, decided 
supporting-leg lameness is the result. At first it is so severe 
that no weight at all is borne by the lame leg, but later on 
some weight is sustained. 

Palpation. — Unless swelling has set in, which is hot and 
very painful, mainly below the patella, the presence of the 
internal and the middle straight ligaments can be established. 
The gap in the external straight ligament suggests rupture. 

5. — Fracture of the Patella. 

History. — Lameness following falls and external violence. 
This trouble is rare in the horse. 

Inspection. — Severe supporting-leg lameness. Any move- 
ment is carefully avoided, apparently causing intense pain. 
After a while swelling about the patellar region is noticeable. 

Palpation. — Crepitation is usually absent, and unless the 
swelling interferes, the broken pieces can be felt.. 
Manipulation of the parts is painful. 



CHAPTER XV. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE TIBIA. 



1.— Fracture and Fissure of the Tibia, 

History. — Lameness following external violence, falls, 
slipping and struggling while cast, with inability to rise. 

FISSUEE or THE TIBIA. 

Inspection. — When the bone is only fissured, there is severe 
supporting and swinging leg lameness. 

Palpation. — Splitting of the bone usually shows a tract 
of increased sensibility, running in a certain direction, on 
the inner face of the tibia, provided that the fissure is on 
that part ; if on any other portion of the tibia, this tract of 
increased sensibility cannot be detected, as the heavy layers 
of muscles interfere with palpation. But any severe 
lameness, immediately following some external violence 
exerted upon the internal face of the tibia, with an absence 
of marked periostitis, — that is, excessive pain upon 
palpation, — suggests fissuring of the tibia. 

FEACTURE OF THE TIBIA. 

Inspection. — The tottering, dangling appearance of the 
leg, the inability to sustain any weight, the wabbling of the 
leg as the foot is raised, and possibly traces of external 
violence and wounds (the result of penetrating bony 
splinters), characterize it. 

Palpation. — Crepitation, as well as abnormal mobility, can 
always be detected. Soon after the occurrence of the fracture 
more or less hot and painful swelling sets in. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE TIBIA. 



107 



2. — Rupture of the Flexor Metatarsi Muscle. 

History. — Lameness following collisions, kicking violently 
and struggling while cast, with inability to rise. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg lameness, with abnormal flexion 
of the stifle and excessive extension of the hock joint. 




Fig. 19. 
Rupture of flexor metatarsi muscle. From a pliotograph. 

During the forward stride the hock and parts below it are 
not advanced in the usual manner, but remain behind, the 
stifle joint at that moment being exceedingly flexed. The 
thigh totters and the two hocks sometimes beat against each 
other, simulating a fracture of the tibia ; yet any doubts in 
that direction can at once be banished, since weight is 
supported by the lame leg in rupture of the flexor metatarsi, 
but not in case of fracture. When this muscle is ruptured 
the tendo-Achilles is perfectly slack. 



108 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

Paljxition. — Sometimes a slight tumefaction can "be 
detected about the anterior surface of the lower thigh. 
Passive movement of the leg permits of abnormal extension 
of the hock joint, and the tendo-Achilles is visibly relaxed. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Fracture of the tibia and rupture 
of the tendo-Achilles offer similar symptoms. The former 
is easily differentiated from rupture of the flexor metatarsi. 
In fracture of the tibia, severe supporting-leg lameness, — 
that is, total inability to sustain weight, — is met with, which 
is not the case in rupture of the flexor metatarsi. (See 
page 106.) Kupture of the tendo-Achilles shows marked 
supporting-leg lameness ; rupture of the flexor metatarsi 
swinging-leg lameness. (See page 108.) 

3. — Rupture of the Tendo-Achilles. 

History. — Lameness following falls, slips, etc. 

Inspection. — Severe supporting - leg lameness, with 
inability to sustain weight and flexion of all joints. Unless 
swelling along the gastrocnemii is too prominent, the flabby 
condition of the tendo-Achilles is apparent. 

Palpation. — As a rule a gap can be detected along the 
tendon. Passive movement of the hock joint allows of 
excessive flexion. 



CHAPTEE XVI. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE 
HOCK JOINT. 



1.— Spavin. 

History. — Lameness comes on gradually. In the 
beginning the animal goes lame only when just starting out, 
soon driving out of the lameness, as a rule. 

Inspection. — The nature of the lameness is by no means 
characteristic, in spite of the general opinion to the contrary. 
A spavin can only be positively diagnosed when an exostosis 
is evident. At the same time it cannot be denied that the 
nature of the lameness and certain attitudes of the lame leg 
are valuable guides in the diagnosis of spavin. When 
standing, the lame leg is apt to be carried forward and 
inward, its heel resting upon the wall of the opposite hoof. 
The animal exhibits unwillingness to move from one side to 
the other, and when compelled, especially towards the 
sound side, it does so with a decided hop. Spavin lameness, 
particularly in the first stages, is best seen during the first 
few steps the animal takes, when stepping over from the 
lame side to the sound one and when turning suddenly. 
The lame leg at that moment shows a jerky movement, 
similar to stringhalt, which loses itself after a little work. 
But in cases of some standing the animal rarely drives 
entirely out of the lameness ; on the contrary, work is liable 



109 



110 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

to increase it. As a rule, lameness is present both when the 
leg is carried forward and when supporting weight. The 
leg is not properly extended, the posterior half of the 
supporting leg is cut short, especially when anchylosis is 
present. It is quickly carried forward with a jerk and a 
conspicuous movement of the hip joint, there is more or less 
a tendency to knuckle over at the fetlock and to walking on 
the toe, which is usually excessively worn. Generally, 




Spavin 



Fig. 20. 
Spavined Hock. 

lameness and the bony tumor appear together, yet either 
one can be evident before the other one. The term " coarse 
hock," so often employed to describe a want of symmetry of 
the hock joint, shows that the mere fact of one joint being 
of a different conformation from the other one, does not 
entitle to diagnosis of spavin. For this reason any visible 
difference in the two hock joints indicates either disease at 
that moment, or at a previous time. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE HOCK JOINT. Ill 

The principles involved in diagnosing spavin lameness, 
are : 

1. The presence of any exostosis, particularly about the 
antero-internal part of the hock joint. 

2. The peculiar lameness described above. 

3. Certain pathological conditions, due to lameness of 
some standing, as atrophied muscles. 

Palpation. — Heat and pain on pressure upon the supposed 
seat of the spavin, unless the result of external violence, are 
not of much importance in the diagnosis of spavin. The 
enlargement is of bony hardness. In some cases, which are 
a little doubtful, the so-called spavin test can be employed 
to intensify lameness. Yet it must be remembered that this 
test is not infallible, and a good deal of judgment is required 
i;o interpret the result correctly. Old horses, which are 
merely stiff, often go lame after the test. The same refers 
to cases of hip lameness, which also increases after the test, 
as the writer has frequently observed. The test consists in 
raising the leg and keeping it flexed for about one minute ; 
if the animal is then trotted, lameness usually is more 
pronounced than originally. 

Differential Diagnosis. — 1. Curb. This does not usually 
cause much lameness unless accompanied by a spavin. 
(See page 115.) 

2. Inflammation of the flexor pedis tendon. Careful 
palpation will discern it from spavin. 

3. Chronic inflammation of the stifle joint. In this 
affection the leg is kept flexed, when trotting there is no 
jerk, and the whole leg is carried forward stiffly. 

4. Hip lameness. As a rule the lameness is only seen 
while the leg is swung forward, and the animal often trots 
obliquely, like a dog. Lameness the result of spavin is seen 



112 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

both wnen the leg is carried forward and when supporting 
weight. At the same time the animal is not liable to drive 
out of the lameness, as it frequently does in spavin. (See 

page 87.) 

5. Hoof lameness. Careful examination of the hoof 
settles the question. (See page 14) 

6. Ringbone. Ringbone lameness may be quite difficult 
to distinguish from spavin lameness, but the fact that 
ringbones are less frequent in the hind leg, together with 
careful palpation of the parts, will help to establish a 
correct diagnosis. (See page 70.) 

7. Sprain of the coronet joint. Here rotation of that 
joint causes pain ; the history and the local examination 
will usually determine the nature of the case. (See page .) 

8. Stringhalt. In stringhalt, the animal seldom walks 
upon the toe, as it usually does in spavin. In spavin, when 
turning or stepping from one side to the other, the animal 
steps lightly upon the toe, and for about one-third of the 
stride the toe is almost dragged over the ground ; whereas 
in stringhalt the leg is jerked up and the foot is put down 
firmly. In spavin the leg is usually dragged when first 
starting, while in stringhalt the action is spasmodic from 
the very beginning. 

2. — Acute Inflammation of the Hock Joint. 

History. — Lameness following external violence, and 
wounds penetrating the joint. 

Inspection. — Severe supporting and swinging leg lameness 
are noticed from the very outset on. Since it is mostly a 
consequence of a wound about the tarsus, severe swelling* 
with a tendency to spread above and below the hock, and 
and perhaps discharge of synovia, is apparent. 



LAMENESS IN THE EEGION OF THE HOCK JOINT. 113 

Palpation. — The swelling about the hock, which in the 
earlier stages is of a doughy nature, is hot and painful upon 
pressure. 

Differential Diagnosis. — 1. Subfacial cellulitis. In cases 
where wounds penetrate the joint, fever, swelling and 
abscess-formation follow ; the differentiation between this 
trouble and inflammation of the hock joint is at times 
impossible, and some time has to pass before the exact 
diagnosis can be arrived at. In either affection there is 
severe mixed lameness, with swelling about the hock and of 
the regional lymph glands, also deep-seated abscesses. If 
the opening of the abscess is followed by lessened lameness, 
it is reasonable to presume that the hock joint is not 
punctured. 

2. Fracture of the bones of the tarsus. Differentiation 
is rather diflicult unless crepitation is present, which, of 
course, would point to a fracture. 

3.— Fracture of the Bones of the Hock. 

History. — Severe sudden lameness following slipping, 
falling, external violence and struggling when cast, with 
inability to rise. 

FRACTUEE OF THE OS CALCIS. 

Inspection. — Severe supporting-leg lameness, with exces- 
sive flexion of the hock joint especially, as well as the other 
joints, and collapse of the entire leg when an attempt is 
made to sustain weight. In compound fracture the wound 
a,nd bony splinters may be seen. When the animal walks, 
the slackness of the tendo-Achilles is readily perceived, 
while all that portion of the leg below the hock is dragged 
over the ground. 



114 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

Palpation. — Crepitation can usually be detected on careful 
palpation, and the torn-oif piece of the bone is frequently 
felt on the end of the tendon of the gastrocnemii. There is 
always marked pain on manipulating the injured parts. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Rupture of the tendo-Achilles 
offers allied symptoms. The main point of difference lies 
in the fact that, on palpation, crepitation and decided pain 
are brought out in the fracture, and a piece of the os calcis 
can usually be felt on the end of the tendon of the gastroc- 
nemii. 

FEACTURE OF THE ASTEAGULUS. 

Inspection. — Severe lameness, followed by swelling about 
the astragulo-tibial joint. 

Palpation. — The soft and yielding swelling is very painful. 
Excessive mobility, particularly abduction and adduction, 
as well as rotation, may be present. When the hock joint 
is encircled by the hands and tLe phalanges moved to and 
fro, crepitation can occasionally be felt. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Sprain of the hock joint. The 
fact that this is very rare, the subsequent improvement, the 
absence of crepitation and abnormal mobility, differentiate 
it from fracture of the astragulus. 

SUBFACIAL CELLULITIS. 

The history, and the traces of a recent injury, as stabs 
with a manure fork, etc.; the presence of swelling of the 
regional lymph glands will exclude errors. 

FRACTUEE OF OTHEE BONES OF THE TAESUS. 

This is somewhat rare. The abnormal mobility, chiefly 
abduction and adduction, the very perceptible crepitation,, 
the inability to support weight, and the pain on manipula- 
tion of the injured region, will at once establish the diagnosis 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE HOCK JOINT. 



115 



of fracture of a liock bone, even though the exact location 
of the fracture can only be surmised. 

4. —Curb. 

History. — Lameness following heavy work in young 
animals, jumping, rearing, and stopping suddenly while 
going swiftly. 




Fig. 31. 
Curb. 

Inspection. — A gradually developed curb hardly ever 
creates lameness. Should lameness be present, it is due 
either to a severe sprain of the calcaneo-cuboid ligament, 
the reinforcing ligament of the perforans tendon, or spavin. 
When inflammation of the above-named ligaments is present, 
supporting-leg lameness of varying intensity, with abnormal 
flexion of the metacarpo-phalangeal articulation, will be 



116 LAMENESS IN THE HOKSE. 

observed. To locate a curb, the hock is viewed from the 
side. Instead of a straight line from the point of the os 
calcis to the fetlock, a convex downward swelling, three to 
four inches below the point of the os calcis, is seen. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Abnormal thickness of the skin 
in that direction may lead to errors ; but here the skin is 
movable, while in curb the swelling is stationary. Enlarge- 
ment of the reinforcing ligament of the perforans tendon 
generally extends further down the tendon, thus diflfering 
from curb. The so-called bony curb is really a spavin, 
situated in that region, almost invariably accompanied by 
exostoses on the inner surface of the hock joint. 

6. — Luxation of the Flexor Pedis Perforatus Tendon. 

History. — Sudden lameness when pulling a heavy load, 
and external violence. 

Inspection. — In the standing posture the phalanges show 
abnormal dorsal flexion, but the hock joint is extended. 
The slight lameness and tottering, unsteady gait are strik- 
ing. Whenever an attempt is made to extend the hock, it 
will be seen that the perforatus tendon slips off the point 
of the OS calcis, usually gliding back into its place as soon 
as the leg is flexed. Swelling of that region and lameness are 
pronounced, especially when the luxation is the result of an 
external injury, such as a kick. 

Palpation. — Unless swelling, which is hot and painful, is 
severe, the perforatus tendon can be felt in its abnormal 
position. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE 
METATARSUS. 



1. — Chronic Thickening of the Sesamoidal Sheath. 

Inspection. — lu this condition the flexor tendons are often 
diseased. Lameness is most evident wlien weight is sup- 
ported by the lame leg, and has a tendency to increase after 
exposure to hard work. The fetlock is upright. 

Palpation. — The swelling is immovable and firm. Pres- 
sure upon it excites pain. The thickening can be so great 
that the flexor tendons are not felt through it. 

2.— Acute Septic Inflammation of the Flexor Tendon 

Sheath. 

Inspection. — More or less diffuse swelling in that region 
(sesamoids) ; wounds discharging pus may be seen. Of 
diagnostic value is the peculiar position in which the 
animal holds the suffering leg, viz.: the lame leg is similarly 
flexed as in inflammation of the stifle joint, but the elevation 
of the foot is more pronounced, and the toe of the flexed leg 
is advanced towards the corresf)onding fore-leg as much as 
possible. 

Palpation. — The swelling, which is hot and painful, may 
be of a doughy or firm nature. 



118 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

3.— Stringhalt. 

Inspection. — In the standing posture nothing abnormal 
is observed ; but when walking, the leg at the beginning of 
the forward stride is raised with a jerk abnormally high, 
and quickly brought to the ground, which it strikes rather 



Fig. 22. 

Position of the limb, in infectious inflammation of the flexor pedis 

perforatus sheath in the fetlock region. (From a photograph.) 

hard. As a rule, this spasmodic action is most visible while 
trotting ; in bad cases also in walking, continuing during 
work. In rare instances it disappears with work, to return 
when resting. Some animals only show the jerky action 
when turned in a narrow circle or forced to step over frpm 
one side to the other. 

Differential Diagnosis. — (See page 112.) 



LAMENESS IN THE REGION OF THE METATARSUS. 119 

4. — Lameness Resulting" from Interfering and Its 
Complications . 

Inspection. —It is more frequently met with in the hind 
legs ; usually the inner face of the fetlock or coronet are 
struck ; but in the fore-legs the inner region, just below the 
knee joint, the metacarpus and fetlock are most liable to 
injury. Lameness is either severe or slight, and sometimes 
only momentary. In simple abrasions of the skin, little, if 
any, swelling or lameness follows the injury ; but infection 
of the subcutis, characterized by diffuse swelling and later 
abscess-formation, produces considerable lameness, often 
so severe that no weight is borne by the diseased leg. When 
the sesamoidal tendon sheath is involved, the leg is held in 
a diagnostic position. (See page 118.) 

Palpation. — The swelling is hot, painful, of doughy or 
firm consistency ; when the sesamoidal sheath is infected, 
passive dorsal flexion produces intense pain. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



LAMENESS FOLLOWING FRACTURE OF THE 
VERTEBRiE. 



History. — Falling over backwards, starting and stopping 
an animal suddenly, violent struggling when cast and unable 
to rise, and also jumping. 

Fracture of the Body of the Vertebrae. 

Inspection. — The animal lies upon the ground stretched 
out, or sits upon his haunches like a dog, able to move the 
fore-legs, but the hind-legs are paralyzed. Sometimes the 
vertebra is only fissured ; in these cases the animal can still 
walk, the back is arched and held stiffly, and in a few days 
paraplegia sets in. Then again the vertebrae may be 
fractured, yet the animal stands ; in the^e cases the sciatic 
nerve, but not the crural nerve, is involved ; walking is 
impossible. Such symptoms are due to a fracture some- 
where behind the fourth to the sixth lumbar vertebrae. 

Palpation. — Deformity and crepitation are rarely de- 
tected ; pressure upon the supposed seat of the fracture may 
give rise to pain. Insensibility of the hind-quarters, sharply 
defined, is noticeable, the animal not offering any resistance 
when pricked with a needle, etc. Under such conditions 
the fracture is in the lumbar region, or behind it; but in 
fracture of the dorsal vertebrae, or anterior to it, reflex 
irritability is present, and may even be exaggerated, as by 
pricking the paralyzed muscles active clonic and even tonic 



LAMENESS FOLLOWING FRACTUEE OF THE VERTEBRA. 121 

contractions are excited. Here, as in a good many oilier 
affections, it is of importance, in order to form a correct 
diagnosis, to differentiate between actual pain, resulting 
from the examination, and mere nervousness of the animal, 
which in these cases is particularly difficult. 

Differential Diagnosis. — 1. Hsemoglobinsemia. Differs 
from the above in the history, the appearance of the urine 
often being of a coffee color, or haemoglobin or albumin may 
be found on chemical analysis. In hgemoglobinsemia the 
muscles of the croup are also hard, while paralyzed muscles 
are soft and flabby. 

2. Thrombosis of the posterior Aorta. The history of 
the case or rectal examination will be decisive. (See page 
95.) 



CHAPTEK XIX. 



LAMENESS RESULTING FROM FRACTURE Oif 
THE PELVIS. 



History. — Sudden lameness following unexpected turning 
of the horse, falls, jumping, slipping and collisions. 

1. — Fracture of the External Angle of the Ilium. 

Inspection. — Lameness (swinging-leg lameness) is hardly 
ever wanting, and the thigh is adducted. Standing on level 
ground the animal is able to bear an equal amount of 
weight upon both legs. A bruise may be seen about that 
region in recent cases, swelling appearing later. The angu- 
lar shape of the tuberosity is changed into a rounded one, 
best seen by comparing both sides from above, the affected 
being the narrower. 

Palpation. — There is no crepitation, but pain on pressure 
over the fracture. 

2. — Fracture of the Shaft of the Ilium. 

Inspection. — Swinging-leg lameness. The affected croup 
is lower than the other (the sound one) ; especially the exter- 
nal angle of the ilium of the fractured side appears sunken. 
This is seen by putting both hind legs into the same position, 
if possible, and comparing the gluteal regions, either by 
standing a little behind the animal or by looking at them 
from above. 

Palpation. — Occasionally pressure upon the external 
angle of the ilium excites mobility and crepitation, but this 



RESULTING FROM FRACTURE OF THE PELVIS. 



123 



fracture is most satisfactorily diagnosed by rectal examina- 
tion. The hand, in the rectum, easily detects abnormal 
mobility, crepitation and possibly swelling along the shaft 
of the ilium, either by walking the horse or by moving the 
leg otherwise. (See fig. 23.) 

2 




Fig. 23. — Schema illustrating fractures of the pelvis iu the horse. 
(1) Fracture of external iliac angle ; (2) internal iliac angle ; (3) shaft of 
the ilium ; (4) transverse portion of the os pubis ; (4a) external 
portion of the ischium ; (5) cotyloid cavity ; (6) tuber ischii ; (7) 
symphysis pubis. 

3.— Fracture Through the Obturator Foramen. 

Inspection. — Supporting-leg lameness. Usually no exter- 
nal deformity, but now and then one sees an oedematous 
swelling about the scrotum, udder, or belly, together with 
symptoms of internal hemorrhage, as blanched visible 
mucous membranes, hurried breathing, etc. 

Palpation. — Rectal examination gives positive results as 
to crepitation and location of the fracture. (See fig. 23.) 



124 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

4.— Fracture of the Os Pubis. 

Inspection. — Tendency to adduct tlie leg, with marked 
supporting-leg lameness. Backing and stepping sideways 
apparently cause great pain. Occasionally there is a swell- 
ing under the belly, and possibly bleeding from the vagina 
in mares, if a bony splinter perforated the vagina. 

Palpatw7i. — Abduction of the leg produces pain. Rectal 
examination will settle all doubts. Crepitation is slight or 
pronounced. (See fig. 23.) 

5. — Frature in the Cotyloid Cavity. 

Inspection. — Severe mixed lameness. At the slightest 
disturbance the animal groans with pain. When the liga- 
mentum teres is torn an uncertain stumbling gait is noticed, 
the leg being adducted in one step and abducted in the 
other one ; the horse is liable to fall. Now and then a slight 
depression over the region of the hip is discernable. 

Palpation. — Crepitation can be felt by resting the hand 
almost anywhere about the gluteal region, but is usually 
most perceptible on the external angle of the ilium. Ab- 
duction and adduction are abnormally free if the ligamentum 
teres is torn. (See fig. 23.) 

6. — Fracture of the Tuberosity of the Ischium. 

Inspection. — Lameness when the leg is carried forward 
(swinging-leg lameness) ; perhaps the thigh is abducted. In 
recent cases, where swelling of the surrounding muscles 
has not yet taken place, the fractured buttock seems broader 
and does not extend as far back as the other one. The first 
deformity is best seen by standing at the back of the animal, 
while the latter is most noticeable by standing at a right 
angle from the animal's haunch. A lameness sometimes 



KESULTING FROM FRACTUEE OF THE PELVIS. 125 

remains after the fracture has healed, which resembles 
partial lumbar paralysis, but is differentiated from it by the 
deformed condition of the buttock. The animal in either 
case is affected with an unsteady, wabbling gait behind, the 
toes of the feet being excessively worn. 

Palpation. — Swelling of the muscles of that region, some- 
times of the vagina, and even of the rectum. There is more 
or less crepitation, best detected by resting one hand upon 
the external angle of the ilium and the other upon the 
region of the ischial tuberosity, and pushing these parts 
toward the other side, thus weighting first the one and then 
the other leg. (See fig. 23.) 

7. — Fracture of the External Branch of the 
Ischium. 

Lameness slight or even absent, with usually pronounced 
crepitation. The region of the hip joint bulges out visibly, 
the ilium seems lowered, and the region of the ischial 
tuberosity appears fattened. If the above-named and 
described conditions are present, the diagnosis of fracture 
of the pelvis can safely be made, provided fracture of the 
femur is excluded. (See fig. 23.) 



CHAPTEK XX. 



HOOF LAMENESS. 



Anatomo -Physiological E,evie"w^. 

The hoof consists of the horny box and its contents. 
The horny box shows three portions. The wall is all that 
part of the liorny box which is seen when the foot rests 
upon the ground. The anterior middle region of this crust 
is designated the toe, its two sides the outside and inside 
toe respectively ; the lateral regions constitute the quarters. 
The heels are formed by the angles of inflection of the 
extremities of the wall ; these extremities pass along the 
inner border of the sole and are called bars. The inner 
face of the wall shows white leaves, which dovetail with the 
laminae of the podophyllous membrane. 

I The sole is a thick, horny plate, occupying the inferior 
face of the hoof. It is united to the inferior border of the 
wall, forming with it the white line. Its internal border 
shows a deep V notch corresponding to the bars, also lodging 
the frog. The frog is an elastic horny pad between the 
two re-entering portions of the wall. Its external surface 
shows a shallow excavation in the centre, known as the 
middle lacuna, separating the two branches of the frog 
which Join the heels. Laterally the frog is attached to the 
sole and bars. 

In the interior of the horny box are located, besides 
the blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves, the os pedis, 



HOOF LAMENESS. 127 

with the navicular bone, the inferior extremity of the os 
corona, ligaments uniting the pedal articulation, the tendon 
of the extensor pedis and of the perforans ; the former in 
front of the pedal articulation, the latter supporting it from 
behind. 

The fibro-cartilages, one on each side of the os pedis, are 
united posteriorly and below to the plantar cushion, a 
fibrous elastic wedge-shaped mass, on which the navicular 
bone rests by means of the perforans tendon. 

The keratogenous apparatus covers the parts just men- 
tioned like a stocking. This apparatus is a continuation of 
the outer skin of the phalangeal region. It shows the 
coronary cushion, a rounded prominence situated at the 
junction of the hoof and skin, and is covered with little 
prolongations known as papillae. 

The coronary cushion is the matrix of the wall. The 
podophyllous tissue, or sensitive laminae, line the anterior 
face of the os pedis. These are very vascular parallel 
leaves, separated from each other by deep channels, into 
which the horny leaves of the inner face of the wall are 
dovetailed. (Chauveau.) 

The diagnosis of the seat of the pain, viz., lameness in 
the hoof, requires primarily a knowledge of the physical 
properties of the hoof and anatomo-physiological peculiari- 
ties of the keratogenous membrane. 

The diagnosis of the seat of lameness only too often is 
difficult, since the horny box, enveloping the sensitive soft ' 
parts, is opaque and unyielding. A happy circumstance, — 
at least from a clinical standpoint, — is encountered with, 
namely, disease of the podophyllous membrane, is always 
painful, therefore producing lameness. 

The soft parts within the hoof, lying between the 



128 LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 

uuyiekling horny box and the os pedis, are very apt to be 
pressed upon even when but slight changes in the crust 
occur. As a consequence of such pressure, pain results and 
the animal goes lame. Nevertheless this horny box is a 
powerful protection to the parts enclosed by it, effectually 
resisting a great many destructive agents. Should separa- 
tion of any part of the horny box occur, thus establishing 
a direct communication between the soft parts contained in 
it and the external world, .a favorable condition for the 
entrance of septic material is created, and inflammation is 
likely to follow. 

Inflammation of the podophyllous membrane can be 
septic, asceptic, acute or chronic, and the latter superficial 
and deep, also designated parenchymatous. To appreciate 
inflammation of this membrane, especially its seat and 
extent, means to be familiar with its structural arrange- 
ment. Unless the one examining a horse for hoof lameness- 
is thus acquainted with it, his diagnosis, as to the seat of 
the lameness, is only guess" work. 

The podophyllous membrane is related in its make-up to 
the skin. It shows a strongly developed rete malphigii, 
which covers the cutis proper. The papillary body of the 
cutis is exceedingly prominent. The sole, frog, and especi- 
ally the coronary cushion, are closely studded with large 
papilla?. In the region corresponding to the wall of the 
hoof, an enormous development of the papillary body is 
met with in the shape of the primary and secondary laminae, 
protected by a strong rete malphigii. Next to the papillary 
body and below it is the vascular layer, composed of many 
vessels imbedded in a loose connective tissue. The deepest 
layer ensheathes the os pedis, representing the periosteum. 
The subcutis, the basis for all these layers, is irregularly 



HOOF LAMENESS. 129 

distributed. It is only found underneath the coronary 
cushion, sensitive laminae of wall and sole (excepting over 
the OS pedis), fibro-cartilages, tendon of the extensor pedis, 
and finally in the shape of the plantar cushion. 

Superficial inflammation of the podophyllous membrane 
involves the rete malphigii and the upper region of the 
papillary body. Parenchymatous inflammation of this 
structure attacks the deeper layers, especially the vascular 
layer, the papillary body, and frequently extends to the rete 
malphigii and subcutis. 



CHAPTEE XXL 



DIAGNOSIS OF HOOF LAMENESS. 



The nature of the faulty action is in itself not character- 
istic of hoof lameness, as diseases of joints, ligaments and 
tendons resemble it closely. For this reason, the diagnosis 
of hoof lameness is necessarily based upon the results 
obtained by inspection and, above all, palpation, with 
percussion of the hammer or application of the pincers. 
Wherever possible the history of the case should be learned. 
Of particular interest is the question, " When was the horse 
shod last, and what treatment did the hoof receive by the 
farrier?" A correct answer to this may save disappoint- 
ment. Lame horses are only too often taken to the black- 
smith to be treated for lameness. Some farriers have a perfect 
mania to " cut out corns," thus frequently laying the founda- 
tion for inflammation of the podophyllous membrane. That, 
under such conditions, a correct diagnosis as to the seat of 
the lameness is sometimes for a while impossible, is clear. 
Inspection of the hoof-lame animal shows more or less 
supporting-leg lameness, intensified as a rule on hard 
ground or by going down hill. Should both feet be attacked, 
the gait is stiff and the feet are kept close to the ground. 
In the standing posture the animal usually points with the 
lame leg forward, or rests the foot upon the toe. Generally 
the former suggests disease of the anterior half, the latter 
of the posterior half of the hoof. When both feet are 
affected the weight is alternately sustained by one and then 



DIAGNOSIS OF HOOF LAMENESS. 131 

by the other leg. Inspection of the shape and condition of 
the horny box is exceedingly important, since the physical 
nature and the size of the hoof must be in proportion to 
the weight and work of the animal. Any changes of the 
foundation of the horse interfering with its duties must 
create suspicion, and palpation is a necessity in deciding 
whether the present change is directly or only indirectly 
concerned in the production of lameness. 

1. Inspection of the Flat Hoof. — The bearing surface of 
the hoof is round and the angle of the wall of the hoof at 
the toe is sometimes as little as 30 to 40 degrees. The heels 
are low and the frog usually of a good size ; the sole is 
extensive and flat. Such a hoof in itself does not cause 
lameness, but materially predisposes to it, as bruised sole, 
corns and interfering are common sequelae. 

2. The Narrotv and Upright Hoof — The angle of the wall 
of the hoof at the toe is 50 degrees or more, the walls are 
upright, the shape of the hoof somewhat oval, and. the 
narrowest portion lying between the quarters. Unless the 
above conditions are not exaggerated, — that is, contraction 
present, — no lameness is apparent. In heavy horses one 
quite often finds a hoof like this. Since the size is so out 
of proportion to the demands of the weight of the body, 
lameness follows work on hard ground and the animal 
becomes " pavement sore "; this painful sensation generally 
disappears after a little rest. Sprain of the lateral liga- 
ments of the lower joints is mostly encountered in animals 
having this sort of a hoof. 

3. Crooked Hoof — In this kind of hoof, the wall, instead 
of running in a straight line from the coronet to the bearing 
surface, deviates perceptibly from its normal course, the 
wall either being concave or convex. Quite frequently one 



132 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

finds one-half of the wall convex and the other half concave. 
This malformation usually occurs in the developing hoof, — 
that is, the one of the colt, — mainly due to improper or 
neglected paring and faulty shoeing. If, for instance, the 
outer half is allowed to grow too long, the wall of the inner 
half in due time becomes convex, the outer one concave. 
Lameness is wanting, but may set in at any moment, follow- 
ing improper shoeing and drying of the horn. The dislocated 
wall presses upon the underlying sensitive parts, and pain, 
expressed by lameness, quite pronounced on hard ground, 
is the consequence. Animals with this form of hoof are 
subject to corns, sandcracks, loosening of the sole or wall 
and distortion of the phalangeal articulations. 

4. The Club Foot. — This sort of hoof, natural to the mule, 
shows an angle of 60 degrees or over. The wall at the 
quarter is very high, occasionally having the same height as 
at the toe. The frog appears too small for the size of the 
hoof, and the sole is decidedly concave. While this hoof 
form does not directly cause the animal to go lame, it pre- 
disposes it to sandcracks, bruised heels and disease of the 
flexor tendons. 

Certain deviations in the physical nature of the horny 
box, when pronounced, are accompanied by lameness. Thus 
the hard, brittle and dry hoof frequently is cracked, especi- 
ally when contracted. This hardness is not confined to 
the horn of the wall alone, but that of the coronary region, 
frog and sole also participate. The horn of the coronary 
region, when thus diseased, is whitish in color, full of little 
fissures and covered with scaly fragments. Horses with 
such a hoof frequently show lameness on hard ground when 
trotting, their movements are limited and the entire animal 
seems stiff. This condition is often wrongly interpreted as 



DIAGNOSIS OF HOOF LAMENESS. 133 

rheumatism. The reverse is true of the soft hoof with its 
yielding horn. The horn has a constant tendency to break, 
not in the direction of the horn tubules, as in the dry, hard 
hoof, but at a right angle to them. Disintegration of the 
horn at the bearing surface, especially when shod at short 
intervals, is seen, pieces of the wall crumbling off. As the 
horn often yields under the weight of the body, dislocation 
'of the wall, with pressure upon the sensitive parts, results, 
and is subsequently followed by an intractable lameness, 
particularly on hard ground. Corns and ridges are common 
in hoofs having this quality of horn. 

Hoof lameness in colts, which should be a rare sight, but is 
not, is probably due to the fact that the little hoof is chiefly 
treated with contempt while developing, instead of receiv- 
ing the care this important structure demands. In this 
country, where the interchange of horses from one section 
to another is so frequent and extensive, hoof lameness in 
the young horse is not uncommon. Undoubtedly difficulties 
are constantly met with in deciding the normality or abnor- 
mality of the physical nature of the horn and form of the 
hoof. Therefore any conclusions as to whether the hoof is 
within physiological limits or not, are to be based upon these 
points. Moist pastures predispose to flat feet, as the moist 
and elastic horn under the weight of the body has a ten- 
dency to spread, thus furthering sole formation ; upright 
and narrow hoofs are the result of the contrary influences, 
as the hard, dry ground renders the horn unyielding and 
sole formation is interfered with. The same follow improper 
or neglected paring, too early shoeing and faulty positions 
of the limbs. 

The surface of the wall of the hoof is often covered with 
ridges, generally running parallel with the coronary band. 



134 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

These ridges may be physiological or due to disease. The 
physiological ridges are of no moment, appearing on the 
surface of the hoof when the hair is shed, or the nature of 
the food suddenly and radically changed, and in the preg- 
nant female. Kidges, following dislocation of the papillfe of 
the coronary cushion, indicate dislocation of the os pedis, 
for instance, in founder, and also inflammatory processes of 
the coronary cushion. In the former, the coronary cushion 
is sunken in and the homy wall growing from it lies below 
the surface occupied originally ; but in the latter the coron- 
ary cushion rises and the ridges are therefore above the 
level of the wall. Corns invariably produce them, as also 
injuries of the coronet. In flat feet, contraction of the wall 
in the coronary region sometimes irritates the papillae, and 
ridge formation follows. 

Palpation. — One way to recognize inflammatory processes, 
at least of an acute nature, within the horny box consists in 
resting the hand upon the toe, the quarters, the heels and 
the coronary region, first of the diseased hoof and then of 
the sound one, to compare the temperature of the two. The 
point is to find out whether one heel or quarter is warmer 
than the other heel or quarter of the same hoof, or whether 
both parts are warmer than the corresponding ones in the 
other hoof. As previously stated, the heels are normally 
warmer than the region of the toe. Then the pincers or 
the hammer is employed to detect a spot which, upon pres- 
sure or percussion, is painful, as demonstrated by the 
flinching of the animal at that moment. Some animals 
flinch as soon as pressure is brought to bear upon the sole. 
In such cases it is advisable to move the pincers a little 
away from the apparently painful spot, gradually working 
them back to the original place. Should the animal again 



DIAGNOSIS OF HOOF LAMENESS. 135 

evince pain, the spot pressed can safely be looked upon as 
the seat of the trouble, provided pain is not found anywhere 
else. The jerking of the leg, following pressure upon a 
painful spot in the hoof, is chiefly a reflex action. The 
short, spasmodic contraction of the shoulder muscles and 
extensors of the fore-arm may therefore serve as a guide. 
Jerking of these muscles synchronously with the application 
of pincers or hammer to a certain spot suggests pain in the 
region the pressure is exerted upon. As to the relative 
value of pincers or hammer, it is well to say that the hammer, 
on the whole, is of more use than the pincers, and in such 
cases as separation of the wall from the laminae, it is invalu- 
able. 

To examine the white line, so important in the diagnosis 
of the seat of hoof lameness, the shoe must be removed 
and the sole and frog freed of all loose and ragged horn, to 
allow of a minute examination of these parts. Any place 
which has been previously established, beyond a reasonable 
doubt, to be diseased, by the hammer and pincers, should 
now be traced with the searching knife. But nothing is 
more unjustifiable than to dig into the sole here and there 
in hopes of finding something abnormal, for in that way the 
horn is destroyed and newly injured. In following up any 
diseased locality near the wall, it is of importance to remem- 
ber that the wall is principally concerned in bearing weight, 
and therefore is to be spared as much as possible, while any 
portion of the sole can be replaced by artificial means. 



CHAPTEE XXII. 



LAMENESS FOLLOWING ACUTE SUPERFICIAL 

AND PARENCHYMATOUS INFLAMMATION 

OF THE PODOPHYLLOUS MEMBRANE. 



History. — Usually lameness is tlie result of wounds of 
the horoy box and underlying tissues, as caulking, pricking, 
nail-puncture, cutting out of corns, poorly fitting shoes, 
leaving the shoe on too long, prolonged rest on hard ground, 
and empirical treatment with oil of turpentine, acids, etc. 

Inspection. — More or less supporting-leg lameness, increas- 
ing on hard ground and going down hill. In superficial 
inflammation one may see discharge of a thin, grayish or 
blackish matter flowing from a wound, as in nail-puncture, 
artificial openings ; or the liquid, by burrowing, appears 
between the coronary cushion and the horny wall, at the 
heel or at the frog. At the point of perforation no swelling is 
noticeable. In parenchymatous inflammation, inflammatory 
products of a thick, yellowish nature are apt to perforate 
the skin at the coronet or heel. The point of perfora- 
tion is surrounded by severe swelling. Whenever the 
product of the superficial inflammation appears on the 
coronet or heel, the seat of the trouble is readily found 
by following the direction of the horn tubules, from the 
point of perforation to the white line, where further 
examination reveals the seat of lameness. The animal 
points, and it is tolerably safe to say that resting upon the 
toe means disease somewhere in the posterior half of the 

136 



INFLAMMATION OF THE PODOPHYLLOUS MEMBRANE. 137 

hoof, most evident in purulent cellulitis of the plantar 
cushion. Forward pointing and weighting the heels, chiefly 
or exclusively, suggests disease in the anterior half, particu- 
larly the region of the toe of the hoof, as in founder (see 
fig. 25). Swelling in the hollow of the heels or the coronet 
and along the course of the flexor tendons is, as already 
stated, of value in coming to a conclusion. (See page ). 




Fig. 24. 

Position of the hoof in disease of the plantar cushion, respectively 

flexor pedis perforans tendon. 

Palpation. — The hoof-tester or the hammer reveals painful 
spots, which, when cut out with the searching knife, are 
found to be either red or black, occasionally yellow, and 
matter, either thin, of gray or black color, or thick and 
yellowish. One may detect separation of the sole from the 
wall, or even of the wall from the laminae. The trace of a. 
misdirected nail or a foreign body, as a nail, etc., is found. 
Increase of temperature in certain regions, as the toe, 



138 



LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



coronet, heels, etc., and violent throbbing of the collateral 
artery of the cannon or digital ateries, which always accom- 
panies inflammatory changes of some extent in the hoof, are 
met with. Whenever the animal shows volar flexion of the 
phalanges, supports weight cautiously and only upon the 




Fig. 25. 

Position of anterior limbs in laminitis. 

(Hind legs ought to be more advanced. ) 

toe, it is advisable to practice dorsal flexion ; pain, as a 
consequence of it, indicates purulent cellulitis of the plantar 
cushion and often disease of the flexor tendon. (See fig. 24.) 
Differential Diagnosis. — From a clinical point of view it is 
difficult unless pus formation or cellulitis are present. 

1. Parenchymatous inflammation comes on gradually and 
lameness may increase to great severity. Superficial inflam- 



INFLAMMATION OF THE PODOPHYLLOUS MEMBRANE. 139 

Tnation usually gives rise to sudden and unexpected lameness, 
which is apt to disappear quickly. 

2. The product of parenchymatous inflammation, which 
is thick and yellowish, perforates the skin ; swelling and 
pain in that region are pronounced. The product of super- 
ficial inflammation, which is thin and black in dark hoofs, 
and gray in light colored ones, only separates the coronary 
cushion from the horny wall at the point of exit, unattended 
by swelling or much pain in that region, 

3. Parenchymatous inflammation, especially when septic, 
has a tendency to spread and to lead to fatal complications. 
Superficial inflammation is not so liable to terminate in this 
way. 

4. Parenchymatous inflammation is usually the result of 
infection with pus producing bacteria, introduced by deeply 
acting irritants. Superficial inflammation is the result of 
less detrimental influences. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



LAMENESS FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF 

DISEASE. 



1 . — Laminitis. 

Inspection. — Usually the fore-feet are diseased. In the 
standing posture the body may sway back and forth, an 
expression of pain and fatigue. The hind-legs are unduly 
advanced under the belly and the fore-legs are kept in front 
of the chest, with the phalanges in abnormal dorsal flexion. 
The weight of the body is chiefly sustained by the heels of 
the hoof, and the head and neck are elevated. When forced 
to move, the fore-feet take short steps as if anxious to get 
out of the way of the hind-legs. The hind-quarters sway 
to and fro, the fore-feet touch the ground, heels first, and 
the sole of the hoof can be seen plainly by standing in front 
of the animal as it walks. The foundered hoof produces a 
double hoof beat, the first being due to the striking of the 
ground with the heels, the second to the coming down of the 
toe. If the hind-feet are foundered, which is rarely the case, 
all four feet gather under the belly in a bunch. Foundered 
horses when lying down require some persuasion to get up. 
When down they occasionally groan, look to one side, and 
draw up first one and then the other foundered leg. In slight 
cases the animal, when walking, is merely stiff, and such 
animals in resting frequently hold up the foundered feet 
alternately. Such cases, turned quickly on hard ground, show 

140 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF DISEASES. 141 

an immediate and material increase of lameness. Should all 
four feet be foundered, the animal lies down constantly. In 
cases of chronic founder, — that is, those where the os pedis 
is dislocated, — distinct changes in the form of the hoof are 
evident. The coronary region is depressed, and, as a conse- 
quence, the anterior region of the wall of the hoof becomes 
more or less concave and is covered with ridges diverging 
toward the quarters. Such a hoof after some time is longer 
than wide, the sole is convex, and there is supporting- leg 




Fig. 26. 
Hoof deformed by chronic laminitis. 

lameness with permanent forward pointing of the leg ; the 
heels always touch the ground first, and thus in walking 
slowly the double beat, mentioned before, is quite evident. 

Palpation. — Increase of temperature of the whole hoof, 
especially about the toe ; pain upon pressure over the entire 
toe region, and exaggerated throbbing of the collateral 
artery of the cannon or digital arteries, form the diagnostic 
points of founder. 

Differential Diagnosis. — Muscular rheumatism: It cannot 
be denied that after a superficial examination this affection 
is easily mistaken for founder ; still the characteristic points 
of founder, viz., throbbing of the digital arteries, pain on 
pressure and increased heat over the toe, region of the hoof, 
are absent. In rheumatism the animal does not rest so 



142 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

persistently upon the heels of the hoof ; the muscles often 
quiver, may be warmer than normally, slightly swollen, 
tense and hard ; tapping them lightly excites severe pain. 
Constant crackling of the joints almost invariably accom- 
panies rheumatism in the beginning, and sometimes the 
flexor tendons are also involved ; they are then painfully 
swollen. Such animals, when lying down, hold their legs 
perfectly quiet, not drawing them up as in founder. "When 
exercised, lameness diminishes. 

Injuries of the sole : Here the local examination will 
be decisive. Horses, especially flat-footed ones, occasionally 
wear off the hoof to such an extent that the sole becomes 
bruised, and lameness, similar to that seen iu founder, 
results. 

Pumiced foot : This formation and the hoof of chronic 
laminitis are often confounded. This is ]Drobably due to the 
convexity of the sole which is present in both ; but the 
convexity of the former extends over the entire sole surface, 
while that of the pumiced foot is chiefly confined to the 
posterior half of the sole. The white line of the foundered 
hoof is much wider than the one of the pumiced foot. The 
deformity of the foundered foot is the consequence of 
laminitis, whereas the pumiced foot is nothing but an exag- 
gerated flat foot with excessive sole formation during its 
development. 

2. — "Wounds of the Coronet. 

Inspection. — Depending on the depth of the wound, the 
lameness is either absent, slight or severe. All stages of 
injury, from a mere abrasion of the skin to a deep infected 
wound with swelling of the coronet, of the heels, and 
perhaps of the phalangeal regions, are seen. The animal 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF DISEASES. 143 

may refuse to support weight, or it is only sustained by the 
toe ; the phalanges at the same time are held in excessive 
volar flexion. 

Palpation. — The contusion is mostly found on the 
coronary cushion in the region of the extensor tendon. The 
degree of lameness and the swelling, which is hot and 
painful, are sufficient to give an idea of the extent of the 
injury. Should it be necessary to probe at all, a sterilized 
probe may be introduced by a steady hand. The latter is 
of great moment, as any sudden movement of the horse 
may endanger the pedal articulation of being punctured. It 
is useless to probe for an open joint, since the discharge 
of synovia settles that point, also confirmed by the severe 
supporting-leg lameness, swelling of the entire coronary 
cushion with abscess formation, and great pain on passive 
rotation of that joint. Deep injuries in that region, not 
opening the pedal articulation, excite more of a swinging- 
leg lameness, and weight is often readily supported by the 
lame leg. 

3. — Quitter. 
Inspection. — More or less lameness, depending on the 
extent of the morbid process and the complications there- 
from. Intense supporting-leg lameness and the extreme 
volar flexion of the phalanges, weight only being borne by 
the toe of the hoof, characterize purulent cellulitis of the 
plantar cushion and inflammation of the pedal articulation. 
(See fig. 24). When a quittor is forming, usually only a 
firm swelling in the internal lateral region of the coronary 
cushion and the corresponding heel is visible. In a few 
days a discharge, — a mixture of blood and pus, — breaks 
through and the swelling goes down. One or more small 
openings, regularly discharging pus, remain. 



144 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Palpation. — Probing is of little value, as the winding 
fistulous tracts interfere with the j)rogress of the probe ; 
but nevertheless it establishes the presence of a fistulous 
canal, thus helping to differentiate quittor from simple 
injuries to the coronet and superficial inflammation of the 
podophyllous membrane. After a while the first fistulous 
opening heals. Swelling, pain and lameness increase, and 
in due time another fistula, usually anterior to the first one, 
makes its appearance. This process repeats itself from time 
to time until proper treatment checks it. 

4. — Punctured Wounds of Sole and Frog. 

Inspection. — The intensity of the lameness depends on the 
seat and depth of the puncture. In inspecting the sole of 
recent cases, the foreign body, a drop of blood, or nothing 
at all, is apt to be found. In cases of some standing, a 
discharging wound is met with. 

Palpation. — The application of the hoof-tester reveals a 
painful locality, which, when traced, shows the exact course 
of the puncture, or even the foreign body. The groove 
between the bars and the branches of the frog is the part 
most frequently involved. Careful paring of the sole and 
frog are essential to the detection of a punctured wound. 
Not long ago the writer was called several hundred miles to 
diagnose a case of lameness in a very valuable trottiug 
mare, which went lame shortly after a race and had been 
treated for hip lameness, while she was actually suffering from 
a punctured wound, running from the middle lacuna of the 
frog obliquely upwards and backwards, as the writer found 
on making his examination. The attending veterinarian also 
examined the hoof when she went lame first, but omitted 
the examination of the frog. The offending body in this 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF DISEASES. 145 

instance was a piece of a darning needle. In probing a 
punctured wound of the sole or frog, none but a sterilized 
probe should be employed and that only after the wound 
has been disinfected. 

5. — Pricking- in Shoeing. 

Inspectio7i. — When the nail is driven into the deep layers 
of the podophyllous membrane, lameness is either immedi- 
ate or may be severe within the next twenty-four hours. 
Such a case, seen soon after the shoe has been nailed on, 
generally shows a little blood around the clench of the 
pricking nail. If the nail is only driven too close to the 
rete malphigii, thus simply exerting pressure, three to five 
days may elapse before sudden lameness, with all the 
symptoms of a superficial inflammation of the podophyllous 
membrane, becomes apparent. 

Palpation. — Lightly tapping the head or clench of the 
offending nail immediately makes the animal flinch, and 
upon removal, the nail will show pus or blood adhering to 
it. Paring of the white line reveals a black spot (the stain 
is chiefly due to precipitated sulphide of iron), extending 
somewhat into the sole. This discoloration always indicates 
that the nail entered the podophyllous membrane. 

6.— Corns. 

Are reddish, or occasionally yellowish spots, situated 
chiefly in the angle formed by the bars and the wall, which 
do not produce lameness unless the bruising agent continues 
to act, — the product of the resulting contusion pressing 
upon the sensory nerves of the podophyllous membrane, — 
or septic inflammation takes place. The septic material 
enters at the jDlace where the so-called corns are located, so 
often the case when they are cut out. This inflammation is 



146 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

usually designated as dry, moist and suppurating corns 
respectively, — terms of exceedingly doubtful value. Hoofs 
continuously afflicted with corns are quite characteristic in 
their conformation. The wall at the quarters is often covered 
with ridges, which do not run parallel with the coronary 
cushion, and the heels of such a hoof are wanting in uni- 
formity. Two other conditions closely related to corns are 
bruised sole and bruised heels ; both are frequently met with 
in flat-footed horses when going barefooted or improperly 
shod. Bruised sole is identified by the same reddish spots 
in the white line or sole as corns, the only difference being 
the location. Lameness accompanying corns or bruised 
sole is the consequence of either a superficial or a paren- 
chymatous infiammation of the podophyllous memdrane. 

7. — Side Bones. 

Inspection. — When walking, weight is chiefly borne dy the 
toe, which is put to the ground first ; the animal steps lightly 
upon the posterior half of the hoof, and the phalanges show 
more or less volar flexion. When both feet are diseased the 
gait is stiff and the animal takes short steps. Inspection of 
the shoe shows least wear over the diseased quarter. Quite 
often contraction of the wall at the quarter of the afflicted 
side is apparent, and the wall is ridged. 

Paljmtion. — The seat of the lameness is readily recognized 
when ossification is complete. To test the elasticity of the 
cartilages the foot is raised, the thumbs placed upon the 
inside and outside quarters respectively, and the other 
fingers, resting against the upper border of the cartilages, 
pull them in an outward direction. Any difference in the 
elasticity of the cartilage is thus easily detected. This test 
is of no value when only the lower portion of the fibra 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF DISEASES. 



147 



cartilage is ossified, and the diagnosis then often becomes 
uncertain. If pressure upon the corresponding portions of 
the wall fails to produce pain, the diagnosis of side bones 
can only be pronounced when all other lesions, which might 
excite similar lameness, are excluded. 




Fig. 27. 
Ossification of the lateral cartilages. 



8.— Thrush. 

Rarely gives rise to lameness, unless the horny frog has 
been destroyed to such an extent as to no longer be a protec- 
tion to the sensitive frog, which may even become visible. 
Such animals go lamer on soft than on hard and level 
ground. Ordinarily a thrushy frog looks ragged, and a 
greasy, grayish matter, having a disagreeable odor, oozes 
from the middle lacuna, where the disease starts, to possibly 
undermine the entire frog. Sometimes superficial iDflam- 
mation of the podophyllous membrane follows the entrance 
of septic material into the spaces formed in the disintegrat- 
ing frog, producing what is generally known as abscess of 



148 



LAMENESS IN THE HOESE. 



the frog. Thrush of long standing is occasionally followed 
by a characteristic ridge formation of the wall, the ridges 
running in all directions, even crossing each other. 

9. — Sandcracks. 

Inspection. — Cracks in the horny wall do not frequently 
cause lameness, except those which begin one or two inches 
below the coronary cushion extending into it ; in such cases 
lameness is quite common. Animals with cracked hoofs 
occasionally show a periodic lameness when the hoofs are 
exposed to prolonged drying or moisture, the lameness 
simply resulting from the drying or softening of the edges 
of the crack, with subsequent irritation of the underlying 
sensitive parts. Any serious lameness in cracked hoofs is 
due to the introduction of septic material into these cracks, 
which frequently causes superficial, or even parenchymatous, 
inflammation of the podophyllous membrane. Brittle, con- 
tracted, crooked and flat hoofs are particularly predisposed 
to sandcracks. 

Palpation. — It is always advisable to carefully search the 
hoof for cracks in cases of hoof lameness, and since such 
cracks maybe hidden by mud, wax, gutta-percha, etc., minute 
inspection is necessary. 

10. — Loosening of the Sole from the Wall. 

Jwspedion.— Lameness, chiefly on hard ground, accom- 
panies separation of the sole from the wall only when the 
break extends into, or close to, the sensitive sole, or if, as a 
consequence of septic material entering this space, inflam- 
mation of the podophyllous membrane sets in. This trouble 
is mostly seen in the fore-legs of flat footed horses. In old 
cases, with extensive separation of these structures, one 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF DISEASES. 



149 



occasionally sees a bending in of that part of the hoof lying 
between the clenches of the nails and the bearing surface of 
the hoof. It is advisable to consider this concavity of the 
wall in examining animals for hoof lameness, it being the 
only visible indication of this condition as long as the shoe 
is left on the hoof. 

Palpation. — After the shoe has been removed, one or 
more dark streaks on one or both sides of the sole of unequal 



1 '- 




Fig. 28. 
1, Loose wall ; 2 and 3, hollow wall. 

length are seen, and when cleansed a longish cavity in the 
white line, which, as further examination shows, extends 
into, or close to, the sensitive sole, is found. 

11.— Seedy Toe. 

Insjyection. — This condition, following chronic changes in 
the laminae, results in formation of a cavity between the 
sensitive and horny laminae. Lameness is generally want- 
ing, but the superficial or even parenchymatous inflammation 
of the podophyllous membrane, which may follow seedy toe 



150 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

at any time, causes lameness. Sometimes tlie wall bulges 
out visibly over the cavity, especially when the latter is 
extensive. After the shoe has been pulled oflf, black streaks 
in the white line, similar to those seen in loosening of the 
sole from the wall, are met with. 

Palpation. — Percussion of the hoof produces a hollow 
sound. Probing reveals the fact that the cavity extends up 
into the sensitive structures, occasionally as far as the 
coronet. The cavity is either empty or contains crumbly 
disintegrated horn. The shape of the cavity is generally 
conical, with its apex toward the coronet and its base at 
the sole. Such a cavity rarely extends further than half-way 
up the wall, having a width of from one-eighth to one and 
one-quarter of an inch. 

12.— Contracted Hoof. 

All deformities of the hoof, which by their pressure upon 
the sensitive soft parts of the hoof cause lameness, are 
known as " contracted hoof." From a clinical standpoint it 
is of value to subdivide them according to the varioua 
regions in which the contraction may occur. Lameness is 
more noticeable when only one hoof is involved. When 
standing the animal points, and when both feet are con- 
tracted the weight is frequently shifted from one leg to the 
other. This is especially apparent when first getting up 
after having been lying down for some time, of which the 
animal, under these conditions, is very fond. Upright 
fetlocks and sprung knees are often seen in the lame leg. 
iVhen contraction sets in gradually, lameness is occasionally 
absent or very slight ; high strung animals frequently drive 
out of the lameness. Lameness, the result of contraction 
of the hoof, is in many instances periodical. 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF DISEASES. 151 

CONTRACTION IN THE REGION OF THE QUARTERS. 

A keen eye and a thorough knowledge of the various forms 
of the hoof are essential to diagnose contraction in its 
earliest stages. Upon inspection of the contracted hoof, in 
its various stages, one will see that it gradually becomes 
longer and narrower and that the heels approach each other 
more and more. The sole is more concave, the frog 
atrophied and often th rushy, and the ordinarily shallow 
middle lacuna is transformed into a deep and narrow cleft. 




Fig. 29. 
Complete bilateral contraction. 

The bars, instead of running from the heels to the point of 
the frog in a straight line, lie close to it, often forming an 
arch with its convexity toward the wall. In contraction of 
one quarter only (see fig. 30) the angle formed by the bar 
and the correspondiug portion of the wall is of great diag- 
nostic value. If that angle and the branch of the frog next 
to it are smaller than the opposite ones, and the correspond- 
ing heel extends further up than the other heel, one-sided 
contraction can safely be diagnosed. In these cases the 
white line is also of some assistance, as it is narrower than 
the one on the other side, the normal one. Ossification of 
the lateral cartilage of the contracted side, sandcracks, 



152 



LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 



corns, tbrusli and rigidity of the horny box are common 
complications in old cases of contraction. To test the 
rigidity of the horny box, of some moment in diagnosing 
this trouble, the thumbs are rested upon the bars, the palm 
and the other fingers upon the region of the heels, and a 
gradual compression will give one a fair idea of the elasticity 
of the horny box at the quarters. 




Fig. 30. 
Unilateral contraction. 



CONTEACTION OF THE SOLE ONLY. 

This condition is rather uncommon. Lameness is more 
apt to increase on soft than on hard ground, and generally 
follows unusual exertion or recent shoeing. The application 
of the hoof-tester reveals no pain unless the centre of the 
sole is pinched. When only one hoof is thus affected, the 
difference in the concavity of the sole is readily noticed, the 
contracted one being more concave. Upon inspection the 
outer edge of the inferior border of the wall shows one or 
the other portion, usually at the toe or quarters, to be bent 



FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL HOOF LAMENESS. 153 

inwardly, — that is, in the direction of the sole. Examina- 
tion of the white line at that place will in all probability- 
re veal little red spots, like those in corns. Abnormal 
throbbing in the digital arteries is present, and this is the 




Fig. 31. 
Contracted sole and dislocation of the wall at the toe. 

principal point of difference between this condition and a 
badly defined case of navicular disease, in which abnormal 
pulsation of the digital arteries is wanting. 

CONTRACTION IN THE CORONARY REGION. 

This form of contraction is mainly seen in flat-footed 
animals, immediately below the coronary cushion. There 




Fig. 33. 
Coronaiy contraction. 



is either a slight concavity, usually confined to the region 
of the quarters, or the wall is abruptly bent in. The pain 
excited by pressure with the pincers upon the contracted 
parts leaves no doubt as to the seat of the lameness. 



CHAPTEE XXIV. 



LAMENESS RESULTING FROM DIFFERENT 

CAUSES NOT DESCRIBED IN THE 

FOREGOING PARAGRAPHS. 



In the previous discussions on the Clinical Diagnosis of 
Lameness in tlie Horse, all the common and important 
lesions have been considered, which are primarily concerned 
in lameness. The scope of this work is too limited to allow 
of full consideration of the majority of those conditions 
which interfere with locomotion ; but even a compendium is 
not quite complete without alluding, at least, to some of those 
morbid conditions which secondarily produce lameness. 

1. Glanders and Farcy. — The presence of glanderous 
processes in the neighborhood of aponeuroses, in the sub- 
cutis and lymph glands, produces more or less lameness ; 
but here, as in all other diseases mentioned further on, 
other symptoms are, as a rule, sufficiently prominent to call 
for a general examination. 

2. Influenza. — Dropsical swellings of the legs interfere 
with locomotion, but the visibly lowered vitality, the pinkish 
and oedematous conjunctiva, the circulatory and respiratory 
disturbances, characterize this ajffection. 

3. Maladie du Coit. — This disease causes certain locomo- 
tory irregularities, expressed by knuckling over behind in 
walking. Later symptoms of incomplete spinal paralysis 



RESULTING FROM DIFFERENT CAUSES. 155 

are seen. The oedematous spots on the skin from the size 
of a quarter of a dollar to a saucer, the great weakness and 
the ring-like swelling of the glans penis, the oedematous 
swelling about the vulva extending to the udder, the vaginal 
discharge, etc., diagnose the disease. 

4. Purpura Hcemorrhagica. — The more or less sharply 
defined swelling of the skin or subcutis is so painful that 
locomotion is materially interfered with, but the nature of 
the swellings, the petechise from millet seed to bean size in 
the nasal mucous membrane, etc., sufficiently define this 
specific disease. 

5. Infiammatory Conditions of the Skin. — Especially when 
the flexor surface of a joint, the hock and phalangeal articu- 
lations are involved, as for instance, grease. The swelling 
and pain cause lameness more or less marked, which almost 
invariably loses itself after a few steps have been taken. 
The local examination, revealing the fact that no other cause 
is present to warrant lameness, is decisive. 

6. Shoulder Abscess. — Lameness occasionally follows this 
condition, which is characterized by a sharply defined, hard 
and somewhat painful tumor, varying in size, situated in or 
below the mastoido-humeralis. 

7. Inflammatory Changes in the Mammary Glands. — This 
induces the animal to show a straddling gait behind at times, 
and the leg is quite often advanced in an outward swinging 
fashion. The local examination reveals a painful state of 
the gland, 

8. Inflammation of the Sperynatic Cord and Testicles. — The 
straddling gait behind, with tendency to abduction of the 
leg next to the diseased cord or testicle, is explained by 
manual examination of the parts. 



156 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

9. Enlarged Inguinal Glands. — Give rise to similar symp- 
toms as seen under 8, and is recognized by palpation. 

10. Fistulous Withers. — If of some standing, destruction 
or disease of elements essential to normal locomotion occurs. 
The continuous discharge and local examination will estab- 
lish a correct diagnosis. 

11. Sternal Fistula — The somewhat doughy but not very 
painful swelling between the fore-legs, with its fistulous 
openings, causes the animal to straddle in front. The 
local examination will leave no doubt as to the seat of the 
lameness. 

12. Wounds and Inflammatory Conditions of the Skin and 
Underlying Tissues of the Organs of Locomotion. — Injuries, 
sufficiently severe to cut through muscles, tendons and 
nerves, swelliugs resulting from infection, are all apt to bring 
on more or less intense lameness. Inspection and palpation, 
if carefvilly executed, will readily decide upon the cause of 
the lameness. 

13. Osteoporosis. — Intermittent lameness, first in one, 
then in the other leg, without distinct symptoms as to its 
origin, makes this an obscure trouble. The evolution of 
this disease is slow, and months may pass before marked 
symptoms appear. But if the epiphyses of the bones swell, 
especially the tibia and bones of the head, etc., the true 
cause of lameness can soon be located. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



DISEASE OF THE HEAD OF SUSPENSORY 
LIGAMENT. 



The extreme courtesy of Dr. M. H. McKillip enables 
tlie writer to describe tliis peculiar and yet characteristic 
lameness. The latter was given an opportunity to study 
this lameness in two well-marked cases by Dr. M. H. Mc- 
Killip, who also informed him that these cases are com- 
paratively rare. 

History. — Over-exertion. 

Inspection. — When standing little or nothing unusual is 
seen, excejjt in severe cases, when all four feet, especially 
the fore-feet, are brought toward the center of gravity. 
When walking the hock is flexed imperfectly ; the point of 
the hock is abducted, while the toes are turned in more or 
less and the animal appears bow-legged. The toe touches, 
the ground first, the heel coming down rather suddenly, the 
fetlock shows excessive dorsal flexion as the function of the 
supporting leg begins. The above symptoms are marked 
when trotting. When the animal trots toward the observer, 
the femoro-tibial articulation appears abducted and promi- 
nent as the leg swings forward. The shoe shows excessive 
wear at the toe. In cases of long standing exostoses about 
the suspensory ligament, the result of a subsequent perios- 
titis, are apparent. 

Palpation. — In the earliest stages nothing, or a slight 
soreness, is present. Periostitis and its characteristic 
symptoms are manifested later on. 



158 LAMENESS IN THE HORSE. 

Paresis of the Flexor Pedis Perforans. 

This form of lameness was also shown the writer through 
the kindness of Dr. M. H. McKillip, who has met with 
twelve cases within the past twenty years. 

History. — Slipping and making desperate efforts to rise 
when cast. 

Inspection. — In backing the leg swings back as a whole, 
so to speak. The hock is flexed imperfectly and the heels 
touch the ground first; the foot is planted in a careful, 
searching manner. The animal flexes the hock excessively 
when walking on smooth and slippery ground, while all the 
other joints below the hock are not flexed ; the hoof hangs 
loosely from the fetlock and in extreme cases even dangles. 
As the hoof is planted the heel strikes the ground first ; at 
this moment the hoof slides backward from two to fourteen 
inches, according to the severity of the lesion. When the 
animal is moved on soft footing, there is decided improve- 
ment. 



INDEX. 



Foreleg, 
Abduction, entire limb, 39 
Abduction, sudden, of shoulder, 40 
Action, faulty, 14 
Anatomo-physiological laws of 

foreleg, 25 
Anatomy, axillary glands, 36 
Anatomy, flexor brachii, 40 
Anatomy, phalangeal region, 62 
Anatomy, postea spinatus muscle, 

39 
Anatomy, prescapular glands, 36 
Anatomy, radial nerve, 42 
Anatomy, supra-scapular nerve, 40 
Antea spinatus, its function, 27 
Atrophy of antea spinatus, 18 
Atrophy of groups of muscles, 18 
Atrophy of olecranian muscles, 18, 

43 
Atrophy of postea-spinatus, 18, 40 
Atrophy of shoulder muscles, 18, 

37 

HiNDLEG AND HoOF. 

Abduction of whole leg, 84 
Abnormal extension of joints, 82, 

83 
Abnormal flexion of joints, 82, 83 
Adduction of whole leg, 84 
Anatomo-physiological review of 

hindleg, 78 
Anatomo-physiological review of 

hoof, 126, 127, 128 
Anatomy, femoro tibial articula- 
tion, 100 
Anatomy, lumbo-sacral nerve 

plexus, 96 
Anatomy, middle gluteus, 88 



B 

Foreleg, 
Backing, difficulty in, 11 
Bridle lameness, 10 

C 

Foreleg. 
Carpus, dorsal flexion, 33 
Carpus, examination, 21 
Carpus, volar flexion, 33 
Check apparatus, its function, 26 
Cocaine, its use, 23, 24. 
Coronet, swelling, 15 
Crepitation in fracture, 20 
Crepitation in inflammation of 

tendon sheath, 20, 21 
Croup in lameness, 10 

Hindleg and Hoof, 

Club-foot, 132 

Corns, 131, 132, 133, 134, 145 

Cvirb-lameness, 115 

D 

Forelhg. 

Detection of the lame leg, 9, 31 

Detection of the seat of lameness, 
13 

Differential diagnosis of fracture, 
sesamoid bones, 68 

Differential diagnosis of inflam- 
mation, posterior ligament coro- 
net joint, 66 

Differential diagnosis of knee 
lameness, 50 

Differential diagnosis of navicular 
lameness, 76, 77 



159 



160 



INDEX. 



Differential diagnosis of radial 
nerve paralysis, 44 

Differential diagnosis of ringbone 
lameness, 73 

Disease of shoulder muscles, 37 

Diseased conditions of shoulder 
joint and neighborhood, 36 

Distention of carpal sheath, 53 

Distention of sheath, extensor me- 
tacarpus niagnus, 54 

Distention of sheath, extensor me- 
tacarpus obliquus, 54 

Distention of sheath, extensor 
pedis, 54 

Distention of sheath, extensor suf- 
fraginis, 54 

Distortion, how to locate, 65 

HiNDLEG AND HOOF, 

Diagnosis, hoof lameness, 130, 131 

Differential diagnosis.acute inflam- 
mation, hock joint, 113 

Differential diagnosis, crural nerve 
paralysis, 98 

Differential diagnosis, curb lame- 
ness, 116 

Differential diagnosis, fracture, 
astragulus, 114 

Differential diagnosis, fracture, 
hock bones, 114 

Differential diagnosis, fracture of 
vertebra?, 95, 121 

Differential diagnosis, inflamma- 
tion of podophyll ous mtm ane, 
138, 139 

Differential diagnosis, laminitis, 
141 

Differential diagnosis, outward 
luxation, patella, 105 

Differential diagnosis, rupture, 
flexor metatarsi, 108 

Differential diagnosis, spavin lame- 
ness, 109 

Differential diagnosis, stringhalt, 
112, 118 

Disease of the head of suspensory 
ligament, 157 



E 

Foreleg. 

Elbow, abnormal extension, 33 
Elbow, abnormal flexion, 33 
Examination for fracture, pelvis, 

22 
Examination for splint lameness, 

61 
Examination for thrombosis aorta 

and branches, 22 
Examination, general, 19 
Examination of hoof, 14 
Examination of lame animal, 14 
Examination of shoulder, 18 
Examination per rectum, 21 
Exostoses, as causes of lameness, 

23 
Extensor of forearm, function, 26 
Extention, abnormal elbow, 33 
External angle of ilium, inspection 

of, 19 

F 

Foreleg. 

Femur, luxation, 22 

Fetlock, excessive dorsal flexion, 

64, 68. 
Fetlock gall, 53 
Fetlock, swelling, 15 
Flexion, abnormal, elbow, 33 
Flexior brachii, its function, 25, 

27 
Flexor tendons, their function, 25 
Flexor tendons, palpation, 19. 
Fracture, how to locate, 20 
Fracture, pelvis, 20. 

HiNDLEG AND HOOF. 

Femur, backward luxation, 92 
Femur, forward luxation, 91 
Femur, inward luxation, 92 
Femur, outward luxation, 92 
Flexor metatarsi, its function, 78,. 



INDEX. 



161 



Flexor metatarsi, rupture, 83 
Fracture, femur, 83, 93 
Fracture, tibia, 83 
Founder, 134 

G 

Foreleg 
Gluteal region, inspection of, 19 

HiNDLEG AND HOOF, 

Gastrocnemii, rupture, 83, 86 
Oastrocnemii, their function, 78,79 

H 

Foreleg. 

Hand, proper temperature when 
palpating, 20 

Hindleg, examination of, 18 

History, lameness due to chronic 
inflammation of knee, 50 

History, lameness due to contu- 
sions, scapul-humeral articula- 
tion, 38. 

History, lameness due to diseased 
shoulder muscles, 37 

History, lameness due to disten- 
tion, articular and tendinous 
synovial sacs, 53 

History, lameness due to distortion, 
phalangeal articulation, 64 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
bones of knee, 49, 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
forearm, 45 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
metacarpal bone, 58 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
navicular bone, 73 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
OS pedis, 70 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
OS suffraginis, 69 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
radius, 48 



History, lameness due to fracture, 
scapula, 45 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
sesamoids, 68 

History, lameness due to fracture, 
ulna, 48 

History, lameness due to inflam- 
mation, bursa flexor brachii, 42 

History, lameness due to inflam- 
mation, carpal bursa flexor pedis 
tendon, 50 

History, lameness due to inflam- 
mation, elbow joint, 47 

History, lameness due to inflam- 
mation, flexor tendons, 57 

History, lameness due to inflam- 
mation, posterior ligaments, 
coronet joint, 65 

History, lameness due to inflam- 
mation, tendon postea spinatus, 
39 

History, lameness due to injuries, 
anterior surface, knee, 49 

History, lameness due to luxation, 
phalanges, 64 

History, lameness due to luxation, 
scapul-humeral articulation, 39 

History, lameness due to paralysis, 
brachial nerve plexus, 44 

History, lameness due to paralysis, 
radial nerve, 43 

History, lameness due to i^aralysis, 
supra-scajjular nerve, 40 

History, lameness due to rupture, 
flexor tendons, 56 

History, lameness due to splints, 59 

History, lameness due to throm- 
bosis, brachial artery, 36 

History, lameness due to wounds 
and bruises, forearm, 48 

History, navicular lameness, 74 

History of patient, 13 

History, ringbone lameness, 70 

History, sesamoid lameness, 66 

High-strung animals, how to ex- 
amine, 9 



162 



INDEX. 



Hock, examination of, 18 

Hock, sickle-shaped, examination 
of, 18. 

Hoof, how to palpate, 16 

Hoof lameness of long standing, 15 

Hoof lameness, pulsation of art- 
eries, 17 

Hoof, left, 15 

Hoof, temperatmre, 16 

Horny box, acute inflammatory 
process, 15 

Horse with upright shoulders, 9 

Horse with wide chest, 9 

Horse with wide hips, 9 

HiNDLEG ANDHOOF. 

Hindleg, its function, 78 
Hip-joint, excessive flexion, 82, 85 
Hip-lameness, 87 

History, acute inflammation, hock- 
joint, 112 
History, acute inflammation, stifle- 
joint, 101 
History, chronic inflammation, 

stifle joint, 101 
History, curb lameness, 115 
History, disease head of suspensory 

ligament, 157 
History, fracture, astragulus, 114 
History, fracture, bones of hock, 

113 
History, fracture, femur, 93 
History, fracture, patella, 105 
History, fracture, tibia, 106 
History, fracture, vertebrae, 120 
History, hip lameness, 87 
History, incomplete nerve par- 
alysis, hindleg, 98 
History, inflammation, podophyl- 

lous membrane, 138 
History, luxation, femur, 91 
History, luxation, flexor pedis 

perforatus, 116 
History, luxation, patella, 103 
History, middle gluteus lameness. 



History, paresis, flexor pedis per- 
forans, 157 

History, rupture, flexor metatarsi, 
107 

History, rupture, straight liga- 
ments, patella, 105 

History, rupture, tendo achilles, 
108 

History, spavin lameness, 109 

History, thrombosis, posterior 
aorta and branches, 95 

Hock-joint, excessive extension, 
83, 85 

Hoof, brittle, 132 

Hoof, contracted, 150 

Hoof, contracted, in coronary re- 
gion, 153 

Hoof, contracted, in region of 
quarters, 151 

Hoof, crooked, 131 

Hoof, narrow, 131 

Hoof-lameness, 126, 130 

Hoof-lameness, diagnosis, 130, 131 

Hoof-lameness in colts, 133 

Hoof, soft, 133 

Hoof, upright, 131 

Hoof with ridges, 134, 133 



Foreleg. 

Inflammation, flexor tendons, 17 
Inflammatory swellings and new 

growths. 36 
Inspection, bruises forearm, 48 
Inspection, chronic inflamaiation, 

knee, 50 
Inspection, complete paralysis, 

radial nerve, 43 
Inspection, contusions, scapul- 

humeral articulation, 38 
Inspection, diseased shoulder 

muscles, 37 
Inspection, distended articular and 

tendinous synovial sacs, 53 



INDEX. 



163 



Inspection, distortion, phalangeal 

articulation, 64 
Inspection, fracture, forearm, 45 
Inspection, fracture, knee bones, 49 
Inspection, fracture, metacarpal 

bones, 59 
Inspection , fracture, navicular 

bone, 73 
Inspection, fracture, os pedis, 70 
Inspection, fracture of suffraginis, 

69 
Inspection, fracture, radius, 48 
Inspection, fracture, scapula, 45 
Inspection, fracture, sesamoid 

bones, 68 
Inspection, fracture, ulna, 47 
Inspection, gluteal region, 19 
Inspection, incomplete paralysis, 

radial nerve, 43, 44 
Inspection, inflammation, bursa 

flexor brachii, 43 
Inspection, inflammation, carpal 

bursa flexor pedis tendons, 51 
Inspection, inflammation, elbows 

joint, 47 
Inspection, inflammation, flexor 

tendons, 57 
Inspection, inflammation, posterior 

ligaments coronet joint, 65 
Inspection, inflammation, tendon 

postea spinatus, 39 
Inspection, inflammatory swellings 

and new gi-owths, 36 
Inspection, injuries, anterior sur- 
face knee, 49 
Inspection, ischium postero-exter- 

nal angle, 19 
Inspection, luxation, phalanges, 64 
Inspection, navicular lameness, 74 
Inspection of coronary region, 15 
Inspection of shoe, 15 
Inspection of shoulder joint, 36 
Inspection of wall of hoof, 15 
Inspection, paralysis brachial nerve 

plexus, 44 



Inspection, paralysis supra scapu- 
lar nerve, 40 
Inspection, ringbone lameness, 70 
Inspection, rupture, flexor tendons 

and sesamoid ligaments, 56 
Inspection, sesamoid lameness, 66 
Inspection, splint lameness, 59 
Inspection, thrombosis, brachial 

artery, 37 
Ischium, postero-extemal angle, 
inspection, 19 

HiNDLEG AND HOOF. 

Ilio-psoas, its function, 80 
Inspection, acute inflammation, 

hock- joint, 113 
Inspection, acute inflammation, 

stifle-joint, 101 
Inspection, chronic inflammation, 

stifle-joint, 101 
Inspection, crural nerve paralysis, 

98 
Inspection, curb lameness, 115 
Inspection, disease, head of sus- 
pensory ligament, 157 
Inspection, fissure, tibia, 106 , 
Inspection, flat hoof, 131 
Inspection, fracture, astragulus, 

114 
Inspection , fracture, cotyloid 

cavity, 134 
Inspection , fracture, femur, 91 
Inspection, fracture, hock bones, 

113 
Inspection, fracture of vertebrae, 

120 
Inspection, fracture, os pubis, 124 
Inspection, fracture, patella, 105 
Inspection, fracture, pelvis, 122 
Inspection, fracture, shaft of ilium, 

122 
Inspection, fracture through ob- 
turator foramen, 123 
Inspection, fracture, tibia, 106 
Inspection, fracture, tuberosity 
ischium, 124 



164 



INDEX. 



Inspection, hip lameness, 87 
Inspection, hoof lameness, 131,132, 
133, 134 

Inspection, incomplete nerve par- 
alysis, hindleg, 98 

Inspection, inflammation, podo- 
jjhyllous membrane, 136 

Inspection, interfering, 119 

Inspection, ischiatic nerve paraly- 
sis, 96 

Inspection, laminitis, 140 

Inspection, loosening of sole from 
wall, 148 

Inspection, luxation, femur, 91 

Inspection, luxation, flexor pedis 
perforatus, 116 

Inspection, luxation, patella, 103 

Inspection, middle gluteus lame- 
ness, 88 

Inspection, narrow hoof, 131 

Inspection, outward luxation, pa- 
tella, 104 

Inspection, paresis, flexor pedis 
psrforans, 157 

Inspection, pricking in shoeing. 
145 

Inspection, punctured wounds, sole 
and frog, 144 

Inspection, quittor, 143 

Inspection, rupture, flexor meta- 
tarsi, 107 

Inspection, rupture, straight liga- 
ments, patella, 105 

Inspection, rupture, tendo Achilles, 
108 

Inspection, sand cracks, 148 

Inspection, seedy toe, 150 

Inspection, septic inflammation, 
flexor tendon sheaths, 117 

Inspection, sidebones, 146 

Inspection, spavin, 109 

Inspection, stringhalt, 118 

Inspection, thickening, sesamoidal 
sheath, 117 

Inspection, thrombosis, posterior 
aorta and branches, 95 



Inspection, tibial nerve paralysis, 

96 
Inspection, upright hoof, 131 
Inspection, wounds of the coronet, 

142 

K 

Foreleg. 
Knee gall, 53 

L 

Foreleg. 

Lame, both fore and behind, 11 

Lame, diagonally, 11 

Lame leg, detection, 9, 10 

Lameness, behind, 10 

Lameness, complicated, 12 

Lameness due to chronic inflam- 
mation of knee, 50 

Lameness due to contusions, 
scapul-liumeral articulation, 38 

Lameness due to corns, 32 

Lameness due to disease of antea- 
spinatus, 30 

Lameness due to disease of bones, 
30 

Lameness due to disease of coraco- 
humeralis, 30 

Lameness due to disease of flexor 
pedis perforans, 31 

Lameness due to disease of flexor 
pedis perforatus, 31 

Lameness due to disease of inhibi- 
tory apparatvis, 31 

Lameness due to disease of joints, 
12 

Lameness due to disease of liga- 
ments, tendons and their sheaths, 
31 

Lameness due to disease of mas- 
toido-humeralis, 30 

Lameness due to disease of pectoral 
muscles, 37 

Lameness due to disease of postea 
spinatus muscle, 32 



INDEX. 



165 



Lameness due to disease of prescap- 
ular and axillary glands, 30 

Lameness due to disease of sub- 
scapularis, 32 

Lameness due to disease of superior 
and inferior sesamoidal liga- 
ments, 31 

Lameness due to disease of teres 
major, 32 

Lameness due to distortions, 32 

Lameness due to distortion, articu- 
lar synovial sacs, 51 

Lameness due to distortion, pha- 
langeal articulations, 64 

Lameness due to fissured meta- 
carpal bone, 59 

Lameness due to fracture, fore- 
arm, 45 

Lameness due to fracture, knee 
bones, 49 

Lameness due to fracture, navicu- 
lar bone, 73 

Lameness due to fracture, meta- 
carpal bone, 58 

Lameness due to fracture, os coro- 
na, 69 

Lameness due to fracture, os pedis, 
70 

Lameness due to fracture, os suf- 
fraginis, 69 

Lameness due to fracture, radius, 
48 

Lameness due to fracture, scapula, 
45 

Lameness due to fracture, sesa- 
moid bones, 68 

Lameness due to fracture, ulna, 47 

Lameness due to hoof diseases, 31, 
32 

Lameness due to inflammation, 
bursa flexor brachii, 40 

Lameness due to inflammation, 
carpal bursa flexor pedis ten- 
dons, 50 

Lameness due to inflammation, 
elbow joint, 47 



Lameness due to inflammation, 

flexor tendons, 57 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

posterior ligaments, coronet 

joint, 65 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

shoulder and elbow joint, 30 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

skin of phalanges, 30 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

tendon postea spinatus, 39 
Lameness due to injuries, anterior 

surface of knee, 49 
Lameness due to lacerations, ole- 

cranian muscles, 30 
Lameness due to luxation, pha- 
langes, 64 
Lameness due to luxation, scapul- 

humeral articulation, 39 
Lameness due to nail prick, 32 
Lameness due to navicular dis- 
ease, 31 
Lameness due to painful affections, 

breast, 32 
Lameness due to painful states 

about shoulder, 30 
Lameness due to paralysis, axillary 

plexus, 30 
Lameness due to paralysis, brachial 

nerve plexus, 44 
Lameness due to paralysis, ole- 

cranian muscles, 30 
Lameness due to paralysis, radial 

nerve, 42 
Lameness due to paralysis, supra 

scapular nerve, 40 
Lameness due to periarthritis, 

phalangeal articlulations, 31 
Lameness due to periostitis, 30, 33 
Lameness due to quarter-crack, 32 
Lameness due to rupture, exten- 
sors, metacarpus and foot, 30 
Lameness due to rupture, perforans 

tendon, 56 
Lameness due to rupture, perfor- 

atus tendon, 56 



166 



INDEX. 



Lameness due to rupture, superior 
and inferior sesamoidal liga- 
ments, 56 
Lameness due to splints, 33 
Lameness due to transverse frac- 
ture, ulna, 30 
Lameness due to wounds and 

bruises, forearm, 48 
Lameness in both forelegs, 10 
Lameness in both hind legs, 10 
Lameness in lumbar region, 11 
Lameness in metacarpal region, 56 
Lameness in phalangeal region, 62 
Lameness in region of elbow and 

forearm, 47 
Lameness in region of knee, 49 
Lameness in region of shoulder, 35 
Lameness in the foreleg, 25 
Lameness in two legs of same side, 

11 
Lameness, how to detect, 11 
Lameness, mixed, 29 
Lameness, slight, 11 
Levators of forearm, 35 

HiNDLEG AND HoOF. 

Lameness due to acute inflamma- 
tion of hock joint, 113 

Lameness due to acute inflamma- 
tion of stifle joint, 101 

Lameness due to chronic inflam- 
mation of stifle joint, 101 

Lameness due to contraction of 
muscular elements, 81 

Lameness due to corns, 145 

Lameness due to crural nerve par- 
alysis, 97 

Lameness due to disease, head of 
suspensory ligament, 157 

Lameness due to diseases of hoof, 
84 

Lameness due to diseases of joints, 
81, 84 

Lameness due to disease of per- 
forans, 84 



Lameness due to disease of the 

tensor fasciae lata, 81 
Lameness due t o fracture and 

fissure of tibia, 106 
Lameness due to fracture, astragu- 

lus, 114 
Lameness due to fracture, cotyloid 

cavity, 134 
Lameness due to fracture, external 

branch ischium, 125 
Lameness due to fractures of 

femur, 93 
Lameness due to fracture, hock 

bones, 113 
Lameness due to fracture of ver- 
tebrae, 120 
Lameness due to fracture, os pubis, 

124 
Lameness due to fracture, patella, 

105 
Lameness due to fracture, pelvis, 

84, 122 
Lameness due to fracture , shaft of 

ilium, 133 
Lameness due to fracture, through 

obturator foramen, 123 
Lameness due to fracture, tuber- 
osity ischium, 124 
Lameness due to incomplete par- 
alysis of hindleg, 98 
Lameness due to individual hoof 

diseases, 140 
Lameness due to inflammation and 

rupture, ilio-psoas, 81 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

gluteal muscles, 81 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

hip-joint, 93 
Lameness due to inflammation of 

the tendon and tendon sheath 

of middle gluteus mnscle, 88 
Lameness due to inflammation, 

podophyllous membrane, 136 
Lameness due to inflammation,. 

stifle joint, 82 
Lameness due to interfering, 119 



INDEX. 



167 



iiameness due ^o laminitis, 140 
Lameness due to loosening of sole 

from wall, 148 
Lameness due to luxation, flexor 

pedis perforatus, 116 
Lameness due to luxation of femur, 

91 
Lameness due to luxation of pa- 
tella, 82, 83, 103 
Lameness due to old fractures of 

pelvis, 90 
Lameness due to painful states of 

bones, 83 
Lameness due to painful states of 

tendon sheaths, 83 
Lameness due to paralysis, crural 

nerve, 83, 86 
Lameness due to paralysis,ischiatic 

nerve, 96 
Lameness due to paralysis, sciatic 

nerve and branches, 81 
Lameness due to paralysis, tibial 

nerve, 83, 96 
Lameness due to paralysis, triceps 

femoris, 83 
Lameness due to paresis, flexor 

pedis perforans, 157 
Lameness due to peripheral nerve 

paralysis, 96 
Lameness due to pricking in shoe- 
ing, 145 
Lameness due to punctured 

wounds, sole and frog, 144 
Lameness due to quittor, 143 
Lameness due to rupture, extensor 

pedis, 83 
Lameness due to rupture, flexor 

metatarsi, 107 
Lameness due to rupture, gastroc- 

nemii, 83, 86 
Lameness due to rupture, straight 

ligaments, patella, 105 
Lameness due to rupture, tendo 

Achilles, 108 
Lameness due to sandcracks, 148 
Lameness due to seedy toe, 149 



Lameness due to septic inflamma- 
tion, flexor tendon sheath, 117 

Lameness due to side-bones, 146 

Lameness due to thickening of the 
sesamoidal sheath, 117 

Lameness due to thrombosis, 
femoral artery, 95 

Lameness due to thrombosis, iliac 
artery, 83, 84, 95 

Lameness due to thrombosis, pos- 
terior aorta and branches, 95 

Lameness due to wounds of coro- 
net, 143 

Lameness following enlarged in- 
guinal glands, 156 

Lameness following fistulous 
withers, 156 

Lameness following inflammation, 
mammary gland, 155 

Lameness following inflammation, 
spermatic cord and testicles, 155 

Lameness following osteo porosis, 
156 

Lameness following shoulder ab- 
scess, 155 

Lameness following sternal fistula, 
156 

Lameness following wounds and 
inflammatory conditions of skin 
and underlying tissues, 156 

Lameness in the gluteal region, 87 

Lameness in the hindleg, 78 

Lameness in the region of the 
femoro-tibial articulation, 100 

Lameness in the region of the hock, 
109 

Lameness in the region of the hip- 
joint, 91 

Lameness in the region of the 
metatarsus, 117 

Lameness in the region of the 
tibia, 106 

Lameness of flat hoof, 131 

Lamenessof glanders and farcy, 154 

Lameness of inflammatory condi- 
tions of skin, 155 



168 



INDEX. 



Lameness of influenza, 154 
Lameness of maladie du coit, 154 
Lameness of purpura haemorr- 
hagica, 155 

M 

Foreleg, 
Mastoido-hvuneralis, its function, 

26, 27 
Mucous bursa of extensor pedis, 55 

N 
Foreleg. 
Nail-holes, examination of, 17 
Navicular lameness. 74 
Nervous horses, how to examine, 
14 

O 

Foreleg. 
Olecranian muscles, their function, 
26 



Foreleg. 

Pain, how to interpret, 19 

Pain in region of shoulder, 21 

Pain when rotating a joint. 21 

Palpation, 19, 20 

Palpation, clironic inflammation 

of knee, 50 
Palpation, contusions, scapul- 

humeral articulation, 38 
Palpation, diseased shoulder mus- 
cles, 37 
Palpation, distended articular and 

tendinous synovial sacs, 5 3 
Palpation, distortion, phalangeal 

articulations, 65 
Palpation, fracture, forearm, 46 
Palpation, fracture, knee bones, 49 
Palpation, fracture, metacarpal 
bones, 59 



Palpation, fracture, navicular 

bones, 73 
Palpation, fracture, os pedis, 70 
Palpation, fracture, os sufl'raginis, 

69 
Palpation, fracture, scapula, 45 
Palpation, fracture, sesamoid 

bones, 68 
Palpation, fracture, radius, 48 
Palpation, fracture, ulna, 47 
Palpation, inflammation, bursa 

flexor brachii, 42 
Palpation, inflammation, elbow 

joint, 47 
Palpation, inflammation, flexor 

tendons, 58 
Palpation, inflammation, posterior 

ligaments, coronet joint, 65 
Palpation, inflammation, tendon 

postea spina tus, 39 
Palpation, inflammatory swellings 

and new growths, 36 
Palpation, injuries, anterior sur- 
face of knee, 49 
Palpation, luxation, phalanges, 64 
Palpation, luxation, scapul-humer- 

al articulation, 39 
Palpation, metacarpal bones, 19 
Palpation, navicular lameness, 75 
Palpation of shoulder, 19 
Palpation , paralysis, supra-scapular 

nerve, 40 
Palpation, pelvis, 22 
Palpation, ringbone lameness, 70 
Palpation, sesamoid lameness, 66, 

67 
Palpation, shoulder joint, 36 
Palpation, splint lameness, 59 
Palpation superior and inferior 

sesamoidal ligaments, 56 
Palpation, thrombosis brachial 

artery, 37 
Palpation, to detect pain in hoof, 16 
Passive flexion in sesamoid lame- 
ness, 67 



INDEX. 



169 



Passive flexion, knee-joint, 50 
Passive movements, scapvil-humer- 

al articulation, 39 
Phalangeal articulations, how to 

rotate, 21 
Phalanges, dorsal flexion, 33, 34 
Phalanges, excessive volar flexion, 

46, 47, 58, 66, 73 
Phalanges, prominent, 58 
Pelvic cavity, examination of, 21 
Periostitis, cause of lameness, 23 
Podophyllous membrane, inflam- 
mation, 15 
Pointing, 14, 81 
Pointing, backward, 32 
Pointing, forward, 32 
Postea spinatus, its function, 26 
Pulsations of digital arteries, 15 

HiNDLEG. 

Palpation, acute inflammation, 

hock joint, 113 
Palpation, acute inflammation, 

stifle joint, 101 
Palpation, chronic inflammation, 

stifle joint, 102 
Paljjation, crural nerve paralysis, 97 
Palpation, disease head of suspen- 
sory ligament, 157 
Palpation, fissure tibia, 106 
Palpation, fracture, astragulus, 114 
Palpation, fracture, cotyloid cav- 
ity, 124 
Palpation, fracture, feinur, 94 
Palpation, fracture, hock bones, 

114 
Palpation, fracture, patella, 105 
Palpation, fracture, pelvis, 122 
Palpation, fracture, os pubis, 124 
Palpation, fracture, shaft of ilium, 

122 
Palpation, fracture, through ob- 
turator foramen, 123 
Palpation, fracture, tibia, 106 
Palpation, fracture, tuberosity 
ischium, 125 



Palpation, fracture, vertebrae, 120 

Palpation, hip-lameness, 88 

Palpation, hoof-lameness, 134, 135 

Palpation, inflammation, podophyl- 
lous membrane, 137 

Palpation, interfering, 119 

Palpation, ischiatic nerve paralysis, 
97 

Palpation, larainitis, 141 

Palpation, loosening of sole from 
wall, 148 

Palpation, luxation of femur. 91 

Palpation, luxation, flexor jsedis 
perforatus, 116 

Palpation, middle gluteus lame- 
ness, 90 

Palpation, outward luxation, pa- 
tella, 105 

Palpation, pricking in shoeing, 145 

Palpation, punctured wounds of 
sole and frog, 144 

Palpation, quittor, 144 

Palpation, rupture flexor metatarsi, 
108 

Palpation, rupture straight liga- 
ments patella, 105 

Palpation, rupture, tendo Achilles, 
108 

Palpation, sandcracks, 148 

Palpation, seedy toe, 150 

Palpation, septic inflammation, 
flexor tendon sheath, 117 

Palpation, side-bones, 146 

Palpation, spavin, 111 

Palpation, thickening, sesamoidal 
sheath, 117 

Palpation, thrombosis, posterior 
Aorta and branches, 95 . 

Palpation, tibial nerve paralysis, 
96 

Palpation, wounds of coronet, 143 

Paralysis, crural nerve, 83 

Paralysis, triceps femoris, 83 

Patella, straight ligaments, rup- 
ture, 83 

Patella muscles, rupture, 83 



170 



INDEX. 



Phalanges, volar flexion, 83, 85 

Pointing, 130 

Podophyllous membrane, 138 

Podophyllous membrane, paren- 
chymatous inflammation, 129, 
136 

Podophyllous membrane, super- 
ficial inflammation, 129, 136 

R 

Foreleg. 

Rheumatic shoulder lameness, 38 
Ringbone lameness, 70 



Foreleg. 

Searching knife, when to use, 17 
See-sawing of head and haunch, 11 
Servatus magnus, its function, 25 
Sesamoid lameness, 66 
Shifting weight, 14, 31 
Shoe, when to remove, 17 
Short abductor of arm, its function, 

26 
Shoulder, abduction, 33 
Shoulder, abnormal flexion, 33 
Shoulder lameness, 35, 38 
Sole, examination of, 17 
Sore shins, 61 
Spavin, 14 
Spavin, lame, 11 
Spavin test, 12 

Splint, cause of lameness, 23, 59 
Step of quadruped, 29 
Stringhalt, 14 
Stringhalt lameness, 11 
Stumbling, 44 

Subscapularis, its function, 26 
Supporting leg, 25, 29 
Supporting leg, function, 27 
Supporting leg lameness, 29 
Swelling along flexor tendons, 17 



Swinging leg, 25, 28 
Swinging leg, action of, 27 
Swinging leg, function, 27 
Swinging leg lameness, 29 

HiNDLEG. 

Sandcracks, 152, 148 

Sartorius, its function, 80 

Sole, bruised, 131 

Sole, contracted, 152 

Spavin, 82, 184 

Stifle joint, excessive extension, 83 

Stifle joint, excessive flexion, 82, 

83, 85 
Stifle joint, inflammation, 82 
Stringhalt, 82, 118 
Supporting leg, 78, 80, 81 
Swinging leg, 78, 79, 80 
Swinging-leg lameness, 81 

T 

Foreleg. 

Teres major, its function, 26 
Teres minor, its function, 26 
Thrombosis, brachial artery, 36 
Thrombosis, posterior aorta and 

branches, 23 
Thrush, 23 
Thrush lameness, 76 

HiNDLEG. 

Thrombosis, iliac arteries, 83 

Tibial nerve paralysis, 83 

Triceps femoris, its function, 80, 81 

W 

Foreleg. 

White line, examination of, 17 
Windgalls, 54 

HiNDLEG. 

White line, examination of, 135 



GLOSSARY. 



ANCHYLOSIS : Permanent union of the articulating extremities of 

one or more bones of a joint ; stiff joint, 
ATROPHY : A wasting away. 

CELLULITIS : Inflammation of loose connective tissue. 
CHECK- APPARATUS : See inhibitory apparatus. 
CONTUSION : A bruise. 
CREPITATION : The grating sound resulting from the rvibbing of the 

ends of a broken bone against each other. 
DIAPHYSIS : The body or middle portion of a long bone. 
DISTORTION : A twisting out of regular shape ; a sprain. 
EPIPHYSIS : The extremities of a long bone. 

EXOSTOSIS : A morbid enlargement of the whole or part of a bone. 
EXTENSION, passive : Extension of a part by some artificial means, 

the muscles normally concerned remaining inactive. 
FLEXION, dorsal, of the phalanges : That state of flexion depending 

upon the action of the extensor muscles. 
FLEXION, passive : Flexion of a part by some artificial means, the 

muscles normally concerned remaining inactive. 
FLEXION, volar, of the phalanges : That state of flexion depending 

upon the action of the flexor muscles. 
INHIBITORY APPARATUS: That mechanism which fixes the 

various joints of the leg, without the assistance of muscular 

elements. 
INSPECTION : The act of looking at anything closely and critically. 
LAMENESS, remittent : A lameness with intervals of lessened inten- 
sity. 
LAMENESS, intermittent : A lameness totally absent at more or less 

regular intervals. 
LEVATOR : A muscle which serves to raise a jjart. 
LUXATION : A dislocation, 
MOVEMENT, passive : Movement of a part by some artificial means, 

the muscles normally concerned remaining inactive. 
PALPATION : Examination of a part by touch. 

PERIARTHRITIS : Inflammation of the tissues surrounding a joint. 
PERIOSTITIS : Inflammation of the thin delicate membrane, the 

immediate covering of a bone. 
PETECHIA : Small reddish spots in the skin, mucous or serous 

membranes. 
SEPTIC : Causing putrefaction ; containing pathogenic bacteria, 
SYNOVITIS : Inflammation of the synovial membrane. 
THROMBOSIS : The clogging of a blood-vessel by a clot, formed at the 

point of obstruction. 

171 



WILLIAIVI R. JENKINS' 

Veterinary Books, 



1897. 



(*) Single asterisk designates Neiv Books. 
(**) Double asterisk designates Recent Publications. 



A NDEBSON. " Vice in tlie Horse " and other papers 
on Horses and Riding. By E. L. Anderson. Demy, 
8vo, cloth 2 00 

— •' How to Ride and School a Horse." With a System 
of Horse Gymnastics. By Edward L. Anderson. 
Cr. 8vo 1 00 

{**)BACH. "How to Jndgre a Horse." A concise treatise 
as to its Qualities and Soundness ; Including Bits and 
Bitting — Saddles and Saddling, Stable Drainage, Driv- 
ing One Horse, a Pair, Four-in-hand, or Tandem, etc. 
By Captain F. W. Bach. 12mo, cloth, fully illustrated 
$1 00; paper 50 

BANHAM. " Tables of Veterinary Posology and 
Therapeutics," with weights, measures, etc. By 
George A. Banhara, P.E.C.V.S. 12mo, cloth 75 

BAUCHEB. "Method of Horsemanship." Including 
the Breaking and Training of Horses 1 00 



4 Veterinary Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

CURTIS. "Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Swine." The 

origin, liistory, Improvement, description, cliaracteris- 
tics, merits, objections, etc. By Geo. W. Curtis, 
M.S.A. Superbly illustrated. Cloth, $2 00; half 
sheep, $2.75 ; half morocco 3 50 

DALRYMPLE. " Veterinary Obstetrics." A com- 
pendium for the use of advanced students and Practi- 
tioners. By W. H. Dalrymple, M.li.C.V.S., late 
principal of the Department of Veterinary Science in 
the Louisiana State University and A. & M. College; 
late Veterinarian to the Louisiana State Bureau of 
Agriculture, and Agricultural Experiment Stations; 
Member of the United States Veterinary Medical 
Associations, etc. (In preparation.) 

DALZIEL. " Britisli Dogs." Describing the History, 

Characteristics, Points, and Club Standards, etc., etc. 
With numerous colored plates and wood engravings. 
By Hugh Dalziel. Vol. I., $4 00. Vol. II., 8vo.4 t'O 

— " The Fox Terrier." Illustrated. (Monographs on 

British Dogs) 1 00 

— "Fox Terrier Stud Booli." Edited by Hugh Dalziel. 

Vol. I. Containing Pedigrees of over 1,400 of the best- 
known Dogs, traced to their most remote known an- 
cestors 1 00 

Vol. II. Pedigrees of 1,544 Dogs, Show Kecord, &c.l 00 

Vol. III. Pedigrees of 1,214 Dogs, Show Eecord,&c.l 00 

Vol. IV. Pedigrees of l,lfc8 Dogs,Show Kecord,&c.l CO 

Vol. V. Pedigrees of 1,662 Dogs, Show Eecord, &c.l 00 

— »'The St. Bernard." Illustrated 1 00 



851-853 Sixth Avenue {cor. 4:S(h St.), Neiv York. 5 

"St. Bernard Stud Book." Edited by Hugh Dalziel. 

Vol. I. Pedigrees of 1,278 of the best-known Dogs, 
traced to their most remote known ancestors, 8hovv 
Kecord, &c 1 OU 

Vol. II. Pedigrees of 564 Dogs, Show Record, &c. . 1 00 

— "The Diseases of Dogs." Their Pathology, Diagnosis 

and Treatment, with a dictionary of Canine Materia- 
Medica. By Hugh Dalziel. 12mo, cloth bU 

— "Diseases of Horses." 12mo, cloth 100 

— "Breaking and Training Dogs." Being concise 

directions for the proper education of dogs, both 
for the field and for companions. Second edi- 
tion, revised and enlarged. Part I, by Pathfinder; 
Part II, by Hugh Dalziel. 12mo, cloth, illus 2 . 6U 

— " The Collie." Its History, Points, and Breeding. By 

Hugh Dalziel. Illustrated, 8vo, cloth 1 00 

— "The Greyhound." 8vo, cloth, illus 1 00 

DANCE. " Veterinary Tablet." Folded in cloth case. 
The tablet of A. A. Dance is a synopsis of the diseases 
of horses, cattle and dogs with the causes, symptoms 
and cures 75 

DANA. " Tables in Comparative Physiology." By 

Prof. C. L.Dana, M.D 25 

DAY. "The Race-horse in Training," By Wm. Day, 
8 vo 3 50 

DOLLAR. " The Structure and Functions of the 
Horse's Foot, with especial reference to Horse- 
shoeing, by Jno. A. W. Dollar, M.R.C.V.S. and Albert 
Wheatley, F.R.C.V.S. With over 300 woodcuts, about 
70 large prooess-work plates, and 2 double-page 
colored plates. (In preparation.) 



6 Veterinary Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

{**)DUN. "Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions and 

Uses." By Finlay Dun, V.S. Kevised edition (almost 
entirely re- written) 8vo, cloth 3 50 

DWYER. ''Seats and Saddles." Bits and Bitting, 
Draught and Harness and the Prevention and Cure of 
Restiveness in Horses. By Francis Dwyer. Illus- 
trated. 1 vol., 12mo, cloth, gilt 1 50 

{*)FLEMING. "Veterinary Obstetrics." Including the 
Accidents and Diseases incident to Pregnancy, Parturi- 
tion, and the early Age in Domesticated Animals. 
By Geo. Fleming. F.R.C.V.S. With 212 illustrations. 
New edition revised, 226 illustrations, 758 pages. .-6 25 
773 pages,8vo, cloth (old edition) 3 50 

— "Rabies and Hydrophobia." History. Natural 

Causes, Symptoms and Prevention. By Geo. 
Fleming, M. R.C. V.S. 8vo, cloth 3 75 

— " Propag:ation of Tnberciilosis." Stating Injurious 

Effects from the consumption of the Flesh and 
Milk of Tuberculous Animals. By Geo. Fleming, 
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— "A Treatise on Practical Horseshoeing'." By George 

Fleming, M.R.C.V.S. Cloth 75 

— "Tnbercniosis." From a Sanitary and Pathological 

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— "The Contagious Diseases of Animals." Their 

influence on the wealth and health of nations. 
12mo, paper 25 



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— "Operative Veterinary Surgery." Part I, by Dr. 

Geo. Fleming, M.R.C.V.S. This valuable work, 
the most practical treatise yet issued on the 
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common operations of Veterinary Surgery; and the 
concise descriptions and directions of the text are illus- 
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— " Human and Animal Variolse." A Study in 

Comparative Pathology. Paper 25 

— "Animal Plag-nes." Their History, Nature, and 

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First Series. 8vo, cloth, $6.00; Second Series. 
8vo, cloth 3 QQ 

— " Roaring in Horses." By Dr. George Fleming, 

F.R C.V.S. A treatise on this peculiar disorder 
of the Horse, indicating its method of treatment 
and curability. 8vo, cloth, with col. plates 1 50 

r,FLE3IING-NE UMA JVJV. ' 'Parasites and Para- 
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of animals, may refer for full information regarding 
the external and internal Parasites— vegetable and 
animal — which attack various species of Domestic 
Animals. A Treatise by L, G. Neumann, Professor 
at the National Veterinary School of Toulouse. 
Translated and edited by George Fleming, G. B., L.L. 
D.,F.R.C.V.S. 873 pages, 365 illustrations, cloth, 7 50 

FRIEDBEBGER - FliOHNEB. " Patliology 
and Tlierapeutics of tlie Domesticated Animals." 

Translated by Prof. L. Zuill, M. D., D. V. S 
2 vol , 12 CH) 



8 \Veterinary Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

GRESSWEL L. " The Diseases and Disorders of the 
Ox." By George Gresswell, B.A. With Notes by 
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— " Diseases and Disorders of tlie Horse." By Albert, 

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GRESS WELL. Manual of "The Theory and Practice 
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and Albert Gresswell, M.K.C.V.S., second edition, 
enlarged, 8vo, cloth 2 75 

— " Veterinai'y Pharmacologry and Therapeutics." By 

James B. Gresswell, F.R.C.V.S. 16mo, cloth . . .1 5U 

— " The Bovine Prescriber." For the use of Veterina- 

rians and Veterinary Students. By James B. and 
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— " Tlie Equine Hospital Prescriber." Drawn up for the 

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— "Veterinary Pharmacopa^ia, Materia Medica and 

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(**)GOTTHEIL. "A Manual of General Histology." 

By Wm. S. Gottheil, M.D., Professor of Pathology in 
the American Veterinary College, New York; etc., etc. 
Histology is the basis of the physician's art, as 
Anatomy is the foundation of the surgeon's science. 
Only by knowing the processes of life can we under- 
stand the changes of disease and the action of remedies ; 
as the architect must know his building materials, so 
must the practitioner of medicine know the intimate 
structure of the body. To present this knowledge in 
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and Professor of Veterinary Dentistry at the NewYorli 
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HA YES. ' ' Veterinary Notes for Horse-Owners. " An 

every day Horse Boole, Illustrated. By M. H. Hayes. 
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— "Riding-." On the Flat and Across Country. A Guide 

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— "Illustrated Horse Breaking-." By Captain M. H. 

Haves. 12mo, cloth, illustrated 8 40 

— "The Horsewoman." By Captain M. H. Hayes and 

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HILL. " Tlie Principles and Practice of Boyine Med- 
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HILL. " The Miinagemeiit and Diseases of the Dog" 

Containing full instructions for Breeding, Rearing and 
Kenneling Dogs. Their Different Diseases. How to 
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HUNTING. The Art of Horse-shoeing. A manual 
for Farriers. By William Hunting, F.R.C.V.S., edi- 
tor of the Veterinary Record, ex-president of the Royal 
College of Veterinary Surgeons. (Ready in January. ) 

{*)KOBERT. "Practical Toxicology for Physicians 
and Students " By Prof. Dr. Rudolph Kobert, 
Director of the Pharmacological Institute, Dorpat, 
Russia. Translated and edited by L. H. Friedburg, 
Ph.D., of Dept. of Chemistry, College of City of New 
York, Prof, of Chemistry and Toxicology at the Ame- 
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Homoepathic Medical College and Hospital. Author- 
ized edition. 8vo., cloth 2 50 

KOCH. ".Etiology of Tuberculosis." By Dr. R. 

Koch. Translated by T. Saure. 8vo, cloth 1 00 



851-853 Sixth Avenue {cor. 4:8th St.), New York. 11 

KEATING. "A New Unabridged Prononiioing 
Dictionary «f Medicine." By John M. Keating, M.D., 
LL.D., Hem y Hamilton and others. A voluminous 
and exhaustive hand-book of Medical and scientific 
terminology with Phonetic Pronunciation, Accentu- 
ation, Etymology, etc. With an appendix containing 
important tables of Bacilli, Microcci Leucomaines, 
Ptomaines ; Drugs and Materials used in Antiseptic 
Surgery ; Poisons and their antidotes ; Weights and 
Measures; Themometer Scales; New Officinal and 
Unofficinal Drugs, etc., etc. 8vo, 818 pages 5 00 

LAMBERT. "The (^erm Theory of Disease." 

Bearing upon the health and welfare of man and the 

domesticated animals. By James Lambert, F.E.C.V.S. 
8vo. paper 25 

LAW. "Farmers' Veterinary Adviser." A Guide to 
the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Domestic 
Animals. By Professor James Law. Illustrated. 8vo, 
cloth 3 00 

LIA UTARD. "Median Neurotomy in the Treatment 
Chronic Tendinitis and Periostosis of the Fetloclf." 

By C. Pellerin, late Repetitor of Clinic and Surgery to 
the Alfort Veterinary School. Translated with addi- 
tional facts relating to it, by Prof. A. Liautard, M.D., 
V.M. 

Having rendered good results when performed by 
himself, the author believes the operation, which 
consists in dividing the cubito-plantar nerve and in 
excising a portion of the peripherical end, the mean? 
of improving the conditions, and consequently the 
values of many apparently doomed animals. Agricul- 
ture in particular will be benefited. 

The work is divided into two parts. The first covers 
the study of Median Neurotomy itself ; the second, 
the exact relations of the facts as observed by the 
author. 8vo., boards 1 00 



13 Veterinary Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

{**)LIAUTARD. "Manual of Operative Veterinary 

Siirj?ery " By A. Liautaid, M.D., V.M., Principal 
and Professor of Anatomy, Surgery, Sanitary Medicine 
and Jurisprudence in tlie American "Veterinary College ; 
Ciievalier du Merite Agricole de France, Honorary 
Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 
(London), etc., etc. 8vo, cloth, 786 pages and nearly 
6U0 illustrations 6 00 

— "Animal Castration." A concise and practical Treatise 

on the Castration of the Domestic Animals. The 
only work on the subject in the English language. 
Illustrated with forty-four cuts. 12mo, cloth. . .2 00 

(*) " Vade Mecum of Equine Anatomy." By A. Liautard, 
M.D.V.S. Dean of the American Veterinary College. 
12mo. cloth. New edition, with illustrations 2 00 

— "Translation of Zundel on the Horse's Foot." 

Cloth 2 00 

— " How to Tell the Age of the Domestic Animal." By 

Dr. A. Liautard, M.D., V.S. Profusely illustrated. 
12mo, cloth 50 

— "On the Lameness of Horses." By A. Liautard, 

M.D.,V.S ..2 5U 

See also '■'■CadioVs Surgery.''' 

LONG. "Book of the Pi?." Its selection, Breeding, 
Feeding and Management. 8vo, cloth 4 25 

{*)LOWE. " Breeding Kacehorses by the Figure Sys- 
tern." Compiled by the late C. Bruce Lowe. Edited by 
William Allison. With numerous fine illustrations of 
celebrated horses. Ready Dec. 15. $7.50. 

(**)i UPTON. " Horses : Sound and Unsound," with 
Law relating to Sales and Warranty. By J. Irvine 
Lupton, F.R.C.V.S. 8vo, cloth, illustrated 1 25 

— *'The Horse." As he Was, as he Is, and as he 

Ought to Be. By J. I. Lupton, F.R.C.V.S. Illus- 
trated. Crown, 8vo 1 40 



d51-853 Sixth Avenue (cor. 4Sth St.), Netv York. 13 

iMAGKEB. "Facts for Horse Owners." By D. 

Magiier. Upwards of 1,000 pages, illustrated with 900 
engravings. 8vo, cloth, $5.00; sheep, $6.00; full 
morocco 7 5U 

MAGNER. "Veterinary Diagrams." (1) The Struc- 
ture of Horses Feet (in colors). The Structure of 
Hor.ses Feet (Effects of Bad Treatment of the Feet). 

Mounted and Varnished 2 00 

(2) The Shoeing of the Horse. The Education of the 
Horse. Mounted and Varnished 2 UU 

MAYHEW. " Tlie lUustrated Horse Doctor." An 

accurate and detailed account of the Various Diseases 
to which the Equine Race is subject ; together with the 
latest mode of Treatment, and all the Requisite Pre- 
scriptions written in plain English. By E. Edward 
Maynew, M.R.C.V.S. Illustrated. Entirely new 
edition, 8vo, cloth 2 75 

McBBIDE. "Anatomical Outlines of the Horse." 

12mo, cloth 2 50 

McCOMBIE. "Cattle and Cattle Breeders." Cloth. 1 00 

Bl'FADYEAN. "Anatomy of the Horse." A Dis- 
section Guide. By J. M. M'Fadyean, M.R.C.V.S. 
This book is intended for Veterinary students, and 
offers to them in its 48 full-page colored plates numer- 
ous other engravings and excellent text, the most 
valuable and practical aid in the study of Veterinary 
Anatomy, especially in the dissecting room. 8vo, 
cloth 5 50 

" Comparative Anatomy of the Domesticated Ani- 
mals." By ,]. M'Fadyean. Profusely illustrated, 
and to be issued in two parts. P-irt I— Osteology, 

ready. Paper, $2 50; cloth ^ 75 

(Part II. in preparation.) 



14 Veterinary Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

MILLS. "How to Keep a Dog in the City.'* By 

Wesley Mills, M.D., V.S. It tells how to choose 
manage, house, feed, educate the pup, how to keep him 
clean and teach him cleanliness. Paper 25 

{**)3IOLLEIt. "Operative Veterinary Surgery." By 

Professor Dr. H. Moller, Berlin. Translated and 
edited from the 2d edition, enlarged and improved, 
by John A. W. Dollar. M.R C.S. 

Prof. MoUer's work presents the most recent and 
complete exposition of the Principles and Practice of 
Veterinary Surgery, and is the standard text-book on the 
subject throughout Germany. 

Many subjects ignored in previous treatises on 
Veterinary Surgery here receive full consideration, 
while the better known are presented under new and 
suggestive aspects. 

As Prof. Moller's work represents not only his 
own opinions and practice, but those of the best 
Veterinary Surgeons of various countries, the trans- 
lation cannot fail to be of signal service to American 
and British Veterinarians and to Students of Veter- 
inary and Comparative Surgery. 

1 vol., 8vo. 722 pages, 142 illustrations 5 25 

MOBETON. " On Horse-breaking." 12mo, cl. . .50 

MOSSELMAN-LIENA UX. "Veterinary Microbio- 

logy." By Professors Mosselman and Lienaux, Nat- 
ional Veterinary College, Cureghem, Belgium, Trans- 
lated and edited by K. K. Dinwiddle, Professor of 
Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Arkansas 
State University. 12mo, cloth, 342 pages 2 00 



851-853 Sixth Avenue {cor. iSth St.), Neio York. 15 

**)NOCARD. " The Animal Tuberculoses, and their 
Relation to Human Tuberculosis." By Ed. Nocard, 
Professor of the Alfort Veterinary College. Trans- 
lated by H. Scurfield, M.D. Ed., Ph. Camb. 

Perhaps the chief interest to doctors of human 
medicine in Professor Nocard's book lies in the 
demonstration of the small part played by heredity, 
and the great part played by contagion in the propa- 
gation of bovine tuberculosis. It seems not unreason- 
able to suppose that the same is the case for human 
tuberculosis, and that, if the children of tuberculosis 
parents were protected from infection by cohabitation 
or ingestion, the importance of heredity as a cause of 
the disease, or even of the predisposition to it, would 
dwindle away into insignificance. ]2mo, cloth 143 
pages .1 00 

PEGLEB. "The Book of the Goat." 12mo, cloth. 1 75 

PELLEBIN. "Median Neurotomy in the Treatment 
of Chronic Tendinitis and Periostosis of the Fetlock.", 

By C. Peileriii, late repetitor of Clinic and Surgery to 
the Alfort Veterinary School. Translated, with Addi- 
tional Facts Relating to It, by Prof. A. Liautard, M.D., 
V.M. 8vo, boards, illustrated 1 00 

See also under Liaulard. 

PROCTOB. " The Management and Treatment of 
the Horse" in the Stable, Field and on the Eoad. 
By William Proctor. 8vo 2 40 

PETERS. "A Tuberculous Herd- Test with Tuber- 
culin." By Austin Peters, M. R. C. V. S., Chief 
Inspector of Cattle for the New York State Board of 
Health during the winter of 1892-93. Pamphlet 25 



16 Vetei'inar^ Catalogue of Williavi R. Jenkins 

REYNOLD. "Breeding and Management of Draught 
Horses." 8vo, cloth 140 

B OBERTS OK. ' 'The Practice of Equine Medicine." 

A text-book especially adapted for the use of Veter- 
inary students and Veterinarians. By \V. Robertson, 
Principal and Professor of Hippopathology in the 
Eoyal Veterinary College, London. 8vo. cloth, 806 
pages, revised edition 6 25 

(**)ROBERGE. "The Foot of the Horse," or Lame- 
ness and all Diseases of the Feet traced to an Unbal- 
anced Foot Bone, prevented or cured by balancing the 
foot. By David Roberge. 8vo, cloth 5 00 

{**) SMITH. *'A Manual of Veterinary Physiology." 

By Veterinary Captain F. Smith, M.R.C.V.S. Author 
of "A Manual of Veterinary Hygiene." 

Throughout this manual the object has been to con- 
dense the information as much as possible. The 
broad facts of the sciences are stated so as to render 
them of use to the student and practitioner. In this 
second edition — rewritten — the whole of the Nervous 
System has been revised, a new chapter dealing with 
the Development of the Ovum has been added together 
with many additional facts and illustrations. About 
one hundred additional pages are given. Second 
edition, revised and enlarged, with additional illus- 
trations 3 75 

{**) SMITH. " Manual of Yeterinary Hygiene." 2nd 

edition, revised. Crown, 8vo, cloth 3 25 



851-853 Sixth Avenue {cor. iSth St.), New York. 17 

STORNMOUTH. "Manual of Scientific Terms." 

Especially referring to those in Botany, Natural 
History, Medical and Veterinary Science. By Kev. 
James Stornmouth 3 00 

{**) STRANGE WAY. "Teterinary Anatomy." New 

edition, revised and edited by I. Vaughn, F.L.S., 
M.R.CV.S., with several hundred illustrations. Svo. 
cloth 5 GO 

{*)SUSSDOBF. Colored Plates specially for Lectures. 

Size 40x27. By Professor Sussdorf, M.D. Translated 
by Prof. W. Owen Williams, of the New Veterinaiy 
College, Edinburgh, 

Plate 1. — *' Diagram of the Horse." Left or near side 
view. 

Plate 2.—" Diagram of the Mare." Right side view. 

Plate 3. '* Anatomy of the Cow," showing the 
position of the viscera in the large cavities of the body. 

Plate 4. *' The Ox." Showing right side view of the 
position of the viscera in the large cavities of the 
body. 

Plate 5. " The Boar." Left side view of the position of 
the viscei'a in the great cavities (thoracic and abdo- 
minal). "The. Sow." Right side view. 

Plate 6. " The Dog." Left side view of the position of 
the viscera in the great cavities (thoracic and abdo- 
minal). "Tlie Bitcli." Right side view. 

Price, unmounted 1 75 each 

" mounted on linen, with roller.. .1 75 extra " 



18 Veterinai'y Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

VAN MATEM, "A Text Book of Yeterinary Oph- 
thalmolog'y." By George G. Van Mater, M.D., 
D.V.S., Professor of Ophthalnaology in the Americau 
Veterinary College; Oculist and Auristto St. Martlia's 
Sanitarium and Dispensary; Consulting Eye and Ear 
Surgeon to the Twenty-sixth Ward Dispensary ; Eye 
and Ear Surgeon, Brooklyn Eastern District Dispen- 
sary, etc. Illustrated by one chromo lithograph plate 
and seventy-one engravings, 8vo cloth 3 00 

VETEMINARY DIAGRAMS in Tabular Form. 
Size, 28^ in. x 22 inches. Price per set of five. . . .4: 75 

No. 1. "The External Form and Elementary Ana- 
tomy of the Horse." Eight coloured illustrations — 
1. External regions ; 2. Slieleton ; 3. Muscles (Superior 
Layer) ; 4. Muscles (Deep Layer) ; 5. Respiratory Ap- 
paratus ; 6. Digestive Apparatus ; 7. Circulatory Ap- 
paratus ; 8. Nerve Apparatus ; with letter-press descrip- 
tion 1 25 

No. 2. "The Age of Domestic Animals." Forty-two 
figures illustrating the structure of the teeth, indicat- 
ing the Age of the Horse, Ox, Sheep, and Dog, with 
full description 75 

No. 3. " The TJnsonndness and Defects of the Horse" 

Fifty figures illustrating — 1. The Defects of Confor- 
mation ; 2. Defects of Position ; 3. Infirmities or Signs 
of Disease ; 4. Unsoundnesses ; 5. Defects of the Foot ; 
with full description 75 

No. 4. "The Shoeing of the Horse, Mule and Ox." 

Fifty figures descriptive of the Anatomy and Physio- 
logy of the Foot and of Horse-shoeing. , 75 



851-853 Sixth Avenue {cor. 48</i St.), New I orJc. 19 

No. 5. "The Elementary Anatomy, Points, and But- 
cher's Joints of the Ox." Ten coloured illustrations 
— 1. Skeleton; 2. Nervous System: 3. Dif^estive 
System (Eight Side); 4. Respiratory S^'stem ; 5. Points 
of a Fat Ox ; 6. Muscular System ; 7. Vascular System ; 
8. Digestive System (Left Side); 9. Butcher's Sections 
of a Calf; 10. Butcher's Sections of an Ox ; with full 
description 1 25 

WALLEY. "Hints on the Breeding and Rearing of 
Farm Animals." 12mo, cloth 8U 

— " Four BoTine Scourges. " (Pleuro - Pneumonia, 

Foot and Mouth Disease, Cattle Plague and 
Tubercle.) With an Appendix on the Inspection of 
Live Animals and Meat. Illustrated, 4to, cloth. .6 40 

— "The Horse, Cow and Dog." By Dr. Thomas 
Walley. A poetical account of the "Troubl- 
ous Life of the Horse " ; " The Life of a Dairy Cow," 
and " The Life of a Dog " ; with an article on Animal 
Characteristics. 12mo, cloth 80 . 

*) WALLET. "A Practical Guide to Meat Inspection. " 

By Thomas Walley, M.R.C.V.S., formerly principal 
of the Edinburgh Royal (Dick) Veterinary College; 
Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, etc. 
Third Edition, thoroughly revised, with forty-five 

coloured illustrations, 12mo, cloth 3 00 

An experience of over 30 years in his profession 
and a long official connection (some sixteen years) 
with Edinburgh Abattoirs have enabled the author to 
gather a large store of information on the subject, 
which he has embodied in his book. Dr. Walley's opi- 
nions are regarded as the highest authority on Meat 
Inspection, 



20 Veterinary Catalogue of William R. Jenkins 

{")W1LLIAMS. "Principles and Practice of Veter- 
inary Medicine." New author's edition, entirely 
revised and illustrated with numerous plain and color- 
ed plates. By W. Williams, M.E.C.V.S.Svo,, cl. .6 00 

— (**) "Principles and Practice of Veterinary Surgery." 

New author's edition, entirely revised and illustrated 
with numerous plain and colored plates. By "W. 
Williams, M.R.C.V.S. 8vo, cloth 6 00 

jrV3IAN. "Tlie Clinical Diag^nosis of Lameness 

in the Horse." l>y W. E. A. Wyman, V.«., Prof, of 
Veterinary Science, Clerason A. & M. College, and 
Veterinarian to the South Carolina Experiment Sta- 
tion. (In preparation.) 

ZUNDEL,. "Tlie Horse's Foot and Its Diseases." By 

A. Zundel, Principal Veterinarian of Alsace Lorraine. 
Translated by Dr. A. Liautard, V.S. 12mo, cloth 
illustrated 2 00 

ZUlLTj. "Typhoid Fever; or Contagious Influenza 
in the Horse." By Prof. W. L. Zuill, M.D.,D.V.S. 
Pamphlet , 25 



Our Boohs are for sale by all hooli sellers, 
or will he sent prepaid for in-ices quoted. 

WILLIAn R. JENKINS, 

851 and 853 Sixth Avenue, 

NEW YORK. 



\ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



>' I 'J. 1 1 III \ i;] ill Jk I.I hi III 

002 863 780 9 



